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Domaine de la Rectorie

Domaine de la Rectorie is run by Marc Parcé, a distant relation of Jean-Michel Parcé who runs the other leading estate of Banyuls and Collioure, Domaine du Mas Blanc. Marc Parcé worked in Paris before returning to Roussillon in 1976, although he only took the reins at Domaine de la Rectorie when a job offer fell through.

The domaine is scattered around the town of Banyuls in a multitude of different plots totalling 24 hectares in all. Grenache is the dominant red variety, with some Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan as well. Plantings of white grapes include Grenache Gris and Blanc.

The dry wines include white, rosé and red Collioure. The white vin de pays Cuvée Argile is made from 100% Grenache Gris vinified in a mix of new wood, old wood and vat. There are two rosés, with a vin de pays Cuvée La Goudie is vinified as for l'Argile, but is a blend of Grenache Noir and Carignan as well as Grenache Gris. A rosé Collioure also features Mourvèdre, and is fermented after just one night of skin contact, giving a pale rosé indeed. The reds start with a vin de pays Vendanges au Puig del Mas, a cuvée of Grenache from young and old vines. Then come three red cuvées of Collioure:

Although dry wines now account for most of the wines turned out by Marc Parcé, he still produces a significant amount of Banyuls, the fortified wine that was once the mainstay of Domaine de la Rectorie. There are a number of different styles produced:

Contact details:
Address: 66650 Banyuls
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 68 88 13 45
Fax: +33 (0) 4 68 88 18 55

Domaine de la Rectorie - Tasting Notes

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2001

Domaine de la Rectorie Banyuls Cuvée Leon Parcé 2001: A richer hue than I recalled from my most recent tastings, but looking back at older notes I see it seems pretty consistent. There is undoubtedly a little twist of Brett seasoning the aromatics here, as there is a sweet intensity of fruit and a savoury character too, but it comes with tobacco and a telling gamey edge. It is very rich though, sweet and structured, and although this gamey character comes though on the palate it plays second fiddle to the very polished, cigar-tinged fruit, which dominates, remaining very grippy and rich right into the finish. Absolutely delicious wine, and one that knocks spots off the two subsequent bottles of Port. 17/20 (January 2012)

Domaine de la Rectorie Banyuls Cuvée Leon Parcé 2001: This wine is now taking on a mature, tawny-chocolatey hue, dark, matt and deep. This seems remarkably advanced compared to my last bottle, only 2-3 years ago. The nose has really developed in keeping with the wine's appearance, losing any primary cherry fruit characters it once had, now showing a much more evolved character; the fruit profile focuses much more on figs now, sprinkled with cocoa and chocolate, and alongside there are elements of tobacco, cloves, undergrowth and brazil nut. A rather seductive character on entry, rich and polished rather than fleshy and through the midpalate revealing some peppery grip as well as a fair whack of spirit. This brings a warmth and kick to the finish of the wine, which pervades and enhances the finish. The Brazil nut and leather-tobacco complexity found on the nose is very apparent also. There is a chance, considering there are some very faint elements suggestive of oxidation here, and also the wine's advanced character, that this bottle isn't entirely typical though. From my 2001 Vintage Ten Years On tasting. 17/20 (December 2011)

Domaine de la Rectorie Banyuls Cuvée Leon Parcé 2001: In the glass this has a very dark, red-black, glossy and shimmering hue. The nose is vibrant and forward, showing piles of sweet, roasted, smoky-cherry fruit. Although this dominates, there are in the background little nuances of roasted meats, leather and tobacco, and there is also a floral delicacy to it, like gentle flower petals. The palate is rich and sweet, but bright, well-delineated and pure. There is cherry fruit with a smoky edge, as on the nose, and underneath I find some beautiful, well-coated tannins. There is a little sweet, roasted, Maillard-like edge to it as well, which provides an appealing note of interest. Overall, this Banyuls is excellent for sipping now, and it should do very nicely in the cellar too. A real success here. For label images and more see my Wine of the Week write-up. 18/20 (January 2009)

2000

Domaine de la Rectorie Collioure 'Coume Pascole' 2000: A dark, inky hue. At first the nose is dominated by toffee oak, a great shame as there is clearly a good wine smothered beneath. With time - a day or so - the fruit comes to the fore, showing blackberry, black olive and violet notes. There is a lovely wine here. On the palate it shows good balance, once that oak has subsided a little, with plentiful fruit character, firm tannins and correct acidity. There is lovely quality here, and no doubt some cellar time will be rewarded. Needs four to six years. 16+/20 (November 2004)

1998

Domaine de la Rectorie Collioure 'Coume Pascole' 1998: A bright, vibrant red-black hue, and a deep, dark, brooding nose, rich in macerated black cherry Grenache fruit with a hard yet herby edge, later showing more smoky, oaky, black berry fruit. Balanced, structured yet very fluid on the palate, with firm, dry tannins behind a layer of herby blackberry fruit and charcoal smoke. Very savoury, with no significant oak apparent here. With time the palate evolves to demonstrate a really beautiful texture, balanced by fine acidity, with a creamy edge. This certainly has the structure and substance for the cellar, and will continue to improve over the next 3-5 years. 16.5+/20 (November 2004)

1994

Domaine de la Rectorie Banyuls 1994: This has a vibrant red hue in the glass, and an enticing nose. There is a little touch of spirit evident, but it is not sufficient to distract from the sweet figgy fruit, accompanied by little subtleties of sweet molasses and wood. The palate is surprisingly full and creamy and has certainly held up very nicely over the last thirteen years. More woody and figgy notes, but with a fresh red fruit edge to it, all presented in a rich and rounded yet freshly balanced frame. It has a very pleasing, integrated and elegant feel on the palate, bordering on silky, but showing some good extract through the midpalate which suggest that this wine still has some more to give. But for the moment I am happy to let it warm my bones on this cold, June evening! For label images and more see my Wine of the Week write-up. 17.5/20 (June 2007)