History

The 1954 vintage, soon to be 70 years old, embodies the living memory of the heroic Banyuls vineyard. On these steep schist slopes swept by the Tramontane wind, the winemakers of the Cave de l’Étoile have been preserving the art of great sweet wines since 1921. This rare Banyuls, the result of half a century of oxidative aging, reflects both the history of the terroir and the infinite patience of time.

Vinification

Made primarily from Grenache Noir, complemented by Grenache Gris and Carignan, this sweet wine was vinified according to tradition: hand-harvested grapes, destemmed and crushed, followed by mutage on the grapes to preserve natural sugars, prolonged maceration, and vertical pressing. Oxidative aging in old foudres and century-old barrels shaped its unique aromatic complexity.

Tasting Notes

Its deep tile-acajou color announces an intense bouquet of walnuts, coffee, dried figs, and spices, highlighted by a noble rancio of rare elegance. On the palate, richness and sweetness are balanced by surprising freshness, leading to a long, harmonious finish. A true meditation wine, this 1954 is a collectible bottle, ideal for gifting or savoring alone, with aged Roquefort or a chocolate dessert.