Banyuls Grand Cru 1994, 'Sélect Vieux', L'Etoile

Banyuls Grand Cru 1994, 'Sélect Vieux', L'Etoile
History
For over a century, the Cave de l’Étoile has embodied the excellence of Roussillon’s sweet wines. Nestled in the heart of the heroic schist vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean, it produces long-aging cuvées, including this 1994 vintage, a testament to the richness and tradition of Banyuls Grand Cru.
Vinification
Hand-harvested on steep terraces, the grapes are destemmed and crushed before undergoing mutage on the skins and a long maceration in alcohol. After pressing, the wine ages in old oak casks, well beyond the 30 months required by the appellation. This extended oxidative aging gives it depth, complexity, and the signature rancio character that defines great Banyuls.
Tasting Notes
This sweet wine displays a mahogany hue. The nose captivates with aromas of candied orange, walnut, and coffee, evolving towards dried fruits as it opens. On the palate, it is both powerful and balanced, finishing long and warm. It pairs beautifully with foie gras, chocolate desserts, or simply a square of dark chocolate at the end of a meal. A vintage of character, combining elegance and intensity.