History

Since 1921, the Cave de l’Étoile, the oldest cooperative in Banyuls, has preserved a unique savoir-faire dedicated to the great naturally sweet wines. Nestled on the steep schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean, it presents with this 2011 vintage a Grand Cru both powerful and elegant, true to the identity of this heroic vineyard.

Vinification

Harvested by hand, the grapes are destemmed and crushed before a long maceration of 15 to 20 days, designed to extract aromatic intensity and tannic structure. Fortification on the skins, with the addition of neutral wine spirit, preserves part of the natural sugars. After pressing, the wine undergoes aging in oak barrels (“pièces de chêne”) for at least 30 months—often longer—ensuring complexity and balance.

Tasting Notes

The nose is highly intense, offering black fruits in confit, cocoa, coffee, and prunes, evolving over time toward fig, walnut, and leather notes. On the palate, the texture is rich and velvety, sustained by a freshness that balances its power. The long, persistent finish makes it a true wine of meditation. It pairs beautifully with chocolate fondant, coffee-caramel entremets, duck with figs, or blue-veined cheese. A Banyuls Grand Cru with remarkable aging potential, capable of spanning decades.