Banyuls Grand Cru 2002, L'Etoile
Banyuls Grand Cru 2002, L'Etoile
Price: 105,00€
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.
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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This 2002 vintage reveals, after 23 years, the full nobility of Grenache noir grown on schist – this traditional oak barrel aging has crafted a Grand Cru of rare elegance.