Banyuls - Hors d'Age - Aged in Solera - Domaine du Mas Blanc - Parcé et Fils (circa 1990)

Presentation of the domain

Domaine du Mas Blanc (Parcé & Fils), a historic Banyuls landmark, cultivates schist terraces facing the Mediterranean. Family know-how, manual harvests, and patient aging result in deep, saline, naturally sweet wines with a noble rancio patina.

Presentation of the vintage

Banyuls “Hors d'Âge – Aged in Solera” (locally “Sostrera”): solera initiated in 1925 by Dr. Gaston Parcé, composed of two rows of 650 L demi-muids. 100% Grenache Noir (historical cuttings from Beaucastel), fortified according to the house method. Every 2–3 months, older wines complete the barrels (semi-oxidation); blending for bottling only takes place every 5–10 years, tipping the second layer over the first, in order to preserve the liquid memory of the estate.

Presentation of the solera & preparation period

Non-vintage cuvée. Based on visual elements (label, capsule, mentions), the bottling period is most likely late 1980s to first half of the 1990s (≈ 1988–1995).

Tasting notes

Great rancio profile: walnut/hazelnut, fig and date, candied orange peel, cocoa, coffee and sweet spices. Velvety palate, iodized freshness, salivating structure; very long finish on dried fruits, brown caramel and bitter zest.

Bottle condition

Perfect level and color. Worn label with missing parts, capsule marked by age; cork in good condition. Wine over 10 years old: variations possible depending on storage. Sold as is.

Food and wine pairings

Blue cheese with parsley (Roquefort) and nut bread.
Dark chocolate tart with a hint of candied orange.
Roasted dried fruits, vanilla ice cream.