History

A legendary vintage, the 1966 Banyuls Traditionnel from the Cave de l’Étoile received the exceptional score of 20/20 from the Revue du Vin de France in 2017. This bottle alone embodies the grandeur of the heroic Banyuls vineyard, shaped by the sweat of winemakers on the steep black schist terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. Over half a century of patience and dedication gave rise to a wine for meditation—a truly unique nectar.

Vinification

Made primarily from Grenache Noir, complemented by Grenache Gris and Carignan, this vin doux naturel was fortified (mutage) on the skins before prolonged maceration and nearly 50 years of oxidative aging in old casks and century-old barrels. Bottled in the summer of 2015, it has withstood the test of time, experiencing the famous “angel’s share,” which concentrated its aromas and intensity to deliver an extraordinary sensory experience.

Tasting Notes

Dark copper-colored robe announces rare complexity. The nose reveals deep notes of walnut, dried fruits, roasted coffee, curry, and noble rancio, enhanced by a subtle saline-iodine touch. On the palate, it is a dazzling aromatic journey: sweetness and bitterness respond to each other, lifted by nuances of candied fruits and spices, in unforgettable smoothness. Philippe Nusswitz, Best Sommelier of France, describes it as a “pedagogical” wine that everyone should taste at least once in their life. Best savored slowly, with intense dark chocolate, aged Roquefort, or simply alone, to contemplate the passage of time.