Domaine du Mas Blanc is considered by many to be Banyuls' leading estate. It is not an ancient domaine, although there is certainly history here; it was once run by Dr André Parcé, who was instrumental in the creation of the Collioure appellation. His son, Jean-Michel Parcé - a distant relation of Marc Parcé at Domaine de la Rectorie now runs the show. Jean-Michel Parcé extols 21 ha in all, which provides fruit for three different cuvées of Collioure representing three individual vineyards, and several cuvées of Banyuls. Collioure Cuvée Cosprons Levant is sourced from a clay and schist vineyard where the oldest vines are planted. The blend is 60% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre and 10% Counoise, which are 100% destemmed and fermented together, with mechanical pigeage, before maturing for one year in old barrels. These are usually sourced from notable Bordeaux chateaux. Collioure Cuvée Le Clos du Moulin is sourced from a gravel vineyard, and comprises 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Counoise. Again, this cuvée is aged for one year in old barrels. Finally comes Collioure Cuvée Les Junquets, a blend of Syrah with a small proportion of Marsanne and Roussanne. The Collioure cuvées are often of exceptional quality, but Mas Blanc also produces excellent Banyuls. Banyuls La Coume is the obvious starting point. This is a single vintage wine, mainly Grenache, with a little Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah and Grenache Gris. In more recent vintages this cuvée may be labelled as Rimage La Coume, rimage referring to a vintage wine bottled for drinking young. Banyuls Cuvée St Martin is a more traditional single vintage cuvée which sees extended barrel ageing before bottling. Finally there is Banyuls Hors d'Age, which is the product of a solera system commenced by André Parcé's father in 1955.

2005 Chapoutier Banyuls 750ML Price: $29.99