Nestled along the meandering course of the Rhône River in south-eastern France, the Vallée du Rhône, or Rhône Valley, stands as a bastion of viticultural excellence. Renowned for its diverse terroirs, this historic wine region produces a rich tapestry of wines that captivate the senses with their depth, complexity, and distinctive character. From the robust reds of the northern Rhône to the sun-kissed, fruity whites of the south, the wines of Vallée du Rhône are a testament to the region’s centuries-old winemaking tradition. In the northern reaches of the Rhône Valley, appellations like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage crafted red wines of exceptional finesse and longevity. The 1970s saw vintages that, under the influence of the cool continental climate, delivered wines with structured tannins, aromatic complexity, and the potential for graceful aging. Meanwhile, the southern Rhône, home to illustrious names such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, produced robust red blends and luscious whites that reflected the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Even though we don’t know the exact provenance of the wine casks that have been used here, let’s review this Glen Moray 1976 Rare Vintage Vallée du Rhône Finish.
Glen Moray 1976 Rare Vintage (2002) Review
Distilled in 1976, this single malt from Glen Moray underwent an undisclosed period of finishing in Vallée du Rhône wine casks. The origin of these wine casks remains a mystery. Bottled in 2002 at 46% alcohol by volume and without chill filtration, this expression has long departed from retail shelves. Securing a bottle now is primarily through the secondary market.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: The aroma is initially subtly wine-like, with notes of orange peel, raisins, caramel made from salted butter, and a medley of black berries (blackcurrant, blueberry, blackberry), accompanied by mild spices. Over time, there is a more discernible influence from the wine cask.
Palate:
Neat: The initial palate is somewhat thin, but it swiftly evolves into a creamier texture. The influence of the wine becomes more pronounced, featuring subtle tannins, heightened caramel, milk chocolate, a touch of chili spices, wood spices, and raw wood notes. Additionally, there are hints of citrus, figs, and fresh notes reminiscent of menthol cigarettes.
Finish:
The finish is characterised by lingering spices and red wine notes, accompanied by a touch of caramel and a pleasant warmth in the throat. As time passes, these initial notes gradually fade, leaving behind a lingering taste of dark chocolate in the mouth.
Comments:
As is often the case with red wine cask finishes, I approached this whisky with some trepidation. Fortunately, the red wine influence, confined to the finish, did not overpower the whisky. It integrated well, resulting in a final product that I found quite enjoyable. My only reservation lies in the slightly thin mouthfeel; despite the commendable 46% alcohol content, a few additional percentage points might have bolstered the overall experience. In summary, the Glen Moray 1976 Rare Vintage Vallée du Rhône Wood Finish, despite its tongue-twisting name, was a memorable dram. While not my top-rated Glen Moray, it left a lasting impression.
