Cuvée Adrien Cazes, Banyuls 'Traditionnel' 2015
Cuvée Adrien Cazes, Banyuls 'Traditionnel' 2015
Price: 26,67€
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History
Maison Cazes, founded by Michel Cazes in 1895, truly flourished under the impetus of André Cazes, who launched the first bottling in 1955. This eight-year-old Banyuls Grand Cru pays tribute to Adrien Cazes, representative of the new generation. The estate cultivates vines over 40 years old, rooted in schist hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean — an exceptional terroir for these naturally sweet wines of recognised prestige.
Winemaking and ageing
Composed of 80% Grenache Noir and 20% Grenache Gris, this Banyuls Grand Cru is crafted according to traditional methods. Destemmed and crushed grapes undergo a maceration of at least three weeks with pumping over to extract the maximum potential from the fruit, followed by traditional mutage. The micro-oxidative ageing in oak foudres extends over several years, conferring complexity and depth to this exceptional wine.
Tasting notes
On the nose, the aromas are subtle and develop harmoniously: dried fruits, fresh walnuts and prune eau-de-vie compose a complex palette that blossoms over time. On the palate, the whole reveals a beautiful amplitude and perfect balance. Ideal with a blue cheese, a 10/12-month aged Comté, or as a digestif accompanied by chocolate-dipped orange peel.
France
Entre mer et montagne, les vignes de Banyuls, en AOC depuis 1936, s’accrochent aux coteaux de schiste qui plongent vers la Méditerranée. Ce décor spectaculaire, baigné de soleil et de vent, façonne des vins doux naturels généreux et intenses. L’appellation produit surtout des rouges à base de Grenache noir, complétés par le Grenache gris et blanc, mais aussi des versions ambrées, tuilées ou rosées.
Banyuls se décline en plusieurs styles. Le Banyuls Rimage, vinifié et élevé à l’abri de l’air, met en avant toute la fraîcheur du fruit, avec des arômes de cerise, de mûre ou de cassis, parfois chocolatés. Accessible jeune, il brille sur le chocolat noir, les desserts fruités ou certains fromages bleus. À l’inverse, les Banyuls Traditionnels et Grands Crus subissent un long élevage oxydatif en fût ou en bonbonne, développant des notes complexes de noix, café, épices et rancio. Les Grands Crus, issus de vieilles vignes et vieillis au minimum 30 mois, se distinguent par leur profondeur et leur grand potentiel de garde.
Aged under the Roussillon sun, the 2015 delivers a heady mix of caramelized fruit, molasses, walnut, and Mediterranean herbs. Rich but never cloying, it’s a wine of both generosity and finesse—a perfect bridge between Port and Sherry styles.
This Banyuls ‘Traditionnel’ from Adrien Cazes offers deep layers of fig, roasted nuts, cacao, dried cherries, and orange peel. Aged oxidatively, it gains savory notes of spice, leather, and tobacco, finishing with a silky warmth and perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.
A rich and velvety Banyuls with layers of stewed figs, prune, and black cherry, lifted by a subtle smokiness. The sweetness is well-integrated, not cloying, and finishes with a touch of toasted almond. Paired beautifully with a square of dark chocolate and some aged Comté. Excellent complexity for the price.
Jerome - Local Nose
Fresher than the 2014, with a nice dry fruit and soft spice character. Great with aged Comté.