Banyuls Traditionnel 1985, L'Etoile
Banyuls Traditionnel 1985, L'Etoile
Price: 225,00€
DESCRIPTION
History
Nearly forty years of rest have shaped this 1985 Banyuls Traditionnel, a true time capsule of the Catalan vineyard. Born from the steep terraces of the Côte Vermeille, it tells the story of the Cave de l’Étoile, founded in 1921 and a symbol of the appellation. Bottled in January 2016 after three decades of oxidative aging, this rare wine stands as a collector’s treasure.
Vinification
Rigorous grape selection, crushing and destemming, fortification on the skins followed by extended maceration: everything was done to extract richness and complexity. Aging in old oak vessels, exposed to the air, slowly transformed this nectar into a wine of unique aromatic intensity, marked by the noble character of rancio.
Tasting Notes
Its deep amber hue heralds a bouquet of walnut, roasted coffee, orange peel, and oriental spices. The palate, broad and velvety, offers a tapestry of roasted dried fruits, cocoa, and a touch of licorice. The seemingly endless finish reveals the grandeur of an old Banyuls. To be savored on its own as a meditation wine, or paired with an intense dark chocolate dessert, for a moment of pure emotion.
REGION
Roussillon
France
Between sea and mountain, the vines of Banyuls, an AOC since 1936, cling to schist slopes that plunge down to the Mediterranean. This spectacular setting, bathed in sun and wind, shapes generous, intense vins doux naturels. The appellation mainly produces reds from Grenache Noir, completed by Grenache Gris and Blanc, as well as amber, tawny and rosé versions.
Banyuls comes in several styles. Banyuls Rimage, made and aged away from air, shows all the freshness of the fruit, with aromas of cherry, blackberry or blackcurrant, sometimes with a touch of chocolate. Approachable young, it shines with dark chocolate, fruit desserts and some blue cheeses. By contrast, Banyuls Traditionnel and Grand Cru go through long oxidative ageing in cask or glass demijohn, developing complex notes of walnut, coffee, spice and rancio. The Grands Crus, from old vines and aged for at least 30 months, stand out for their depth and great ageing potential.
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With nearly forty years of aging, this 1985 Banyuls Traditionnel offers notes of walnut, cocoa, and roasted coffee on a long, velvety finish.