History

Bruno Cazes, an oenologist from the renowned Cazes family, presents here a cuvée in tribute to his son Adrien. This 1978 Rivesaltes Ambré embodies the art of vintage Roussillon fortified wines. Nestled at the foot of the Corbières, the 220-hectare estate stretches along the Agly Valley, straddling Rivesaltes and Salses-le-Château. A unique terroir, marked by clay-limestone soils mixed with schist and siliceous pebbles, which imparts power and elegance to this legendary wine.

Vinification

The emblematic blend of Grenache gris (70%), Grenache blanc (20%), and Macabeu (10%) forms the Cuvée Adrien Cazes, made from hand-harvested, destemmed, and crushed grapes, then fortified on the must. The wine aged for 40 years in oak casks—a patient maturation that shaped the aromatic richness and depth of this rare vintage.

Tasting Notes

The amber-colored robe with golden reflections gives way to an intense nose of dried fruits, mocha, and soft spices. The concentrated and generous palate reveals flavors of walnut, fig, and roasted coffee, supported by remarkable freshness. The long, silky finish makes it a contemplative wine, perfect as a digestif, but also excellent with candied oranges, chocolate desserts, or honey pastries. Praised with an exceptional 98 points by Jeb Dunnuck, this 1978 Rivesaltes stands as one of the treasures of the collection.