Banyuls Grand Cru 2002, L'Etoile

Banyuls Grand Cru 2002 L'Etoile

Banyuls Grand Cru 2002, L'Etoile

🇫🇷 AOP Banyuls | Roussillon  | France
Sourced from steep schist slopes (mutage on the skins, long oxidative oak aging). Deep hue with a rich nose of candied black fruit, cocoa, coffee, fig, and leather, delivering a smooth, balanced sweet wine with remarkable length.
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DESCRIPTION

History

The Cave de l’Étoile, founded in 1921, is one of Banyuls’ most iconic references. Perched on steep schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean, it preserves the art of producing great fortified sweet wines. This 2002 Grand Cru showcases the full expertise of the estate: a rare wine from old vines that combines power, complexity, and elegance.

Vinification

Hand-harvested on the schist terraces, the grapes are crushed and destemmed before undergoing mutage on the skins with the addition of neutral grape spirit. A long maceration (15 to 20 days) extracts the full aromatic richness and deep color. After pressing, the wine undergoes extended oxidative aging in oak barrels. Banyuls Grand Cru wines require a minimum of 30 months of aging, often much longer, to achieve this exceptional maturity.

Tasting Notes

The nose reveals remarkable intensity: black candied fruits, prunes, cocoa, coffee, and spices, evolving with age toward notes of fig, walnut, and leather. On the palate, the texture is rich, creamy, and balanced by a lively freshness, with a long, persistent finish. Enjoy with dark chocolate desserts, coffee-caramel entremets, duck with figs, or a blue cheese. This 2002 vintage has remarkable aging potential, capable of lasting for several decades.

cave de l'etoile

CHARACTERISTICS

Country

France

Region

Roussillon

Appellation

AOP Banyuls

Vintage

2002

Grape Variety

Grenaches

ABV

17%

Category

Natural sweet wine

Volume

75cl

Style

Balanced

Allergens

Sulfites

Storing Instructions

To drink and to keep

Ageing

Oxidative

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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