A 40 year old Banyuls

Apart from the Mas Amiel '69, I had also tasted another old fortified wine from the Languedoc-Rousillon region - a 1974 Banyuls at this year's Wine Fair. Although both Maury and Banyuls are both Grenache based vin doux naturel, the latter has an added appellation of Banyuls Grand Cru, which is matured for a longer time. However, this 1974 wine is of the basic Banyuls appellation and not of the stricter Grand Cru one. As for this wine, it was a ruby red with a sweet spirity fruity nose. The palate was sweet fruity and nutty, and well supported by an acid tannic backbone.