Cazes Rivesaltes 1946

90 points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): "Sporting a deep, almost tuilé color, the 1946 Rivesaltes Collection is slightly more mid-weight than the 1956, yet still offers pretty notes of toffee, candied orange peels and figs in a medium-bodied, clean, focused style. It’s drinking beautifully, but should easily keep for another decade or more. Drink: 2016-2026. (Apr 2016)"

Domaine Cazes, founded in 1895, is one of the oldest and most famous producers of Rivesaltes wines from the eponymously named Rivesaltes AOC in Roussillon. Rivesaltes, officially a "vin doux naturel," is in fact a fortified dessert wine that can be made from any combination of Grenache Blanc, Noir, and Gris, Macabéo, and to a much lesser extent Torbato (here called Malvoisie du Roussillon), as well as Muscat. Rivesaltes may taste of raisins, coffee, chocolate, fruits, or nuts and the most concentrated can, like Banyuls, be some of the few wines that happily partner with chocolate. John Gilman writes that "Domaine Cazes is one of the greatest producers of sweet wines that I have ever had the pleasure to come across...these are utterly distinct and unique wines of brilliant complexity and character, and though they may not be as well known in the wine world at large as their superb quality deserves, they are truly some of the wine world's greatest treasures."

This selection comes directly from the domaine in December 2021. 100% Grenache Noir. Aged for almost 7 decades in its original vat. This Rivesaltes has an oaky nose, with cocoa and brandy aromas. The palate is complex, with black fruit flavors, and a full and long finish. Alcohol 16%.