L'Étoile Banyuls Maceré Tuilé 1993

Wine: L'Étoile Banyuls Maceré Tuilé 1993

Winery: Société Coopérative l'Étoile (Banyuls-sur-Mer, France)
Appellation: A.O.C. Banyuls
Varietals: 75% Grenache Noir, 15% Grenache Gris, 10% Carignan Noir
ABV: 16.5%

Winemaking
Each varietal is vinified separately with a 30-day maceration period. Pressing is conducted using traditional vertical hydraulic presses. The wine rests for one year in old wooden vats (foudres), followed by aging in seasoned oak barrels. The final blend is assembled from the various components prior to bottling.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Garnet-cherry of medium-high depth; opaque with a broad orange rim.

 

Nose: Remarkably soft, unfolding numerous nuances of dried fruits with a profile reminiscent of cocoa, almonds, and artisanal ice cream. A succession of nutty and humid notes (walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts) emerges, alongside a hint of pastry and liqueur. This gives way to an immense concentration of raisined black fruit: plums, pajaretes, carob, and dried apricots.

 

Palate: Highly smooth and harmonious. Notes of dried fruits dominate, with a touch of liqueur that stands out slightly above the ensemble. Straightforward and easy-drinking. A classic Banyuls that has benefited tremendously from its recent years of bottle rest to complete its reductive evolution. While it lacks a bit of energy, it is endearing and approachable. Drink now.

 

Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Score: 88

Tasting Notes (2005-03-28)

 

Appearance: Garnet-cherry color replete with reddish highlights; luminous despite its opacity. It shows a copper-toned, slightly brick-colored rim with sparse legs.

 

Nose: Initially shy, requiring aeration and a slight increase in temperature to open up. It reveals intense notes of dark chocolate, stone, and dried fruits (almonds, walnuts, toasted bread), alongside orange peel and sour cherries in liqueur (though without any alcoholic heat).

 

Palate: Slightly drying on the palate with reductive touches from its extensive aging. Notes of bitter cocoa and dried fruits are joined by rancio reminiscences, reduced red fruits, and compote. Characterized by old oak and spices, the ensemble is smooth and free of any harshness. While technically sound overall, it fails to fully captivate.

 

Personal Score: 81