Chateau Rayas - one of the greatest Rhone Estates
"2007 may be Emmanuel Reynaud’s greatest vintage since he took over the management of this estate when his uncle, Jacques Reynaud, died in 1997. " -- Robert ParkerVery, very limited Chateau Rayas releases -- in stock now at our Forsyth location --
call 314.727.8788
Only 250 cases for the U.S.
SOLD OUT!
2007 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Rouge...$199.99
I had previously written that I thought the 2005 was the greatest Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape made after 1995, but I think the 2007 may eclipse it. Perhaps it is a stylistic thing as the 2005 is a sturdier, more masculine style, and the 2007 is an opulent, voluptuous wine that is more reminiscent of the 1990, while the 2005 is similar to the 1995. The 2007 possesses a dark ruby color, silky tannins, sweet fruit, and enormous quantities of kirsch, licorice, black raspberries, and incense notes. Even though I tasted it shortly after bottling, it was exceptionally dense and pure. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032+.
Rated 97/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"Bright ruby. Red berry, cherry and Asian spice aromas are lifted by sexy notes of rose petal and blood orange. Impressively pure and perfumed, with remarkable precision and cut to its concentrated but lively flavors of cherry and black raspberry. The weightless, mineral-driven character of this wine is something else. In a distinctly delicate, feminine style, with superb finishing cut and energy. This will probably cost a fortune when it lands in the U.S, unfortunately."
SOLD OUT!
2007 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Rouge...$199.99
I had previously written that I thought the 2005 was the greatest Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape made after 1995, but I think the 2007 may eclipse it. Perhaps it is a stylistic thing as the 2005 is a sturdier, more masculine style, and the 2007 is an opulent, voluptuous wine that is more reminiscent of the 1990, while the 2005 is similar to the 1995. The 2007 possesses a dark ruby color, silky tannins, sweet fruit, and enormous quantities of kirsch, licorice, black raspberries, and incense notes. Even though I tasted it shortly after bottling, it was exceptionally dense and pure. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032+.
Rated 97/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"Bright ruby. Red berry, cherry and Asian spice aromas are lifted by sexy notes of rose petal and blood orange. Impressively pure and perfumed, with remarkable precision and cut to its concentrated but lively flavors of cherry and black raspberry. The weightless, mineral-driven character of this wine is something else. In a distinctly delicate, feminine style, with superb finishing cut and energy. This will probably cost a fortune when it lands in the U.S, unfortunately."
Rated 97/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Only 53 cases imported into the U.S.
2007 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Blanc....$161.99
(a 50/50 blend of clairette and grenache blanc) Pale yellow. A stunningly pure bouquet displays aromas of tangerine, pear, iodine, minerals and white flowers, along with a suave undertone of sweet butter; this smells like a great grand cru Burgundy. Nervy citrus and orchard fruit flavors are sweetened by floral honey and deepened by a toasted brioche note, picking up dusty minerals on the back end. The finish refuses to let up, with the iodine and butter notes strongly repeating. According to Emmanuel Reynaud, 2007 is an especially rich year for white wines. This won't be easy to find but is worth the search."
Only 53 cases imported into the U.S.
2007 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Blanc....$161.99
(a 50/50 blend of clairette and grenache blanc) Pale yellow. A stunningly pure bouquet displays aromas of tangerine, pear, iodine, minerals and white flowers, along with a suave undertone of sweet butter; this smells like a great grand cru Burgundy. Nervy citrus and orchard fruit flavors are sweetened by floral honey and deepened by a toasted brioche note, picking up dusty minerals on the back end. The finish refuses to let up, with the iodine and butter notes strongly repeating. According to Emmanuel Reynaud, 2007 is an especially rich year for white wines. This won't be easy to find but is worth the search."
Rated 95/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
This is maturing in feel, with a lanolin edge, but the flavors of chamomile, white peach and pear eau-de-vie are still bright and youthful. Lovely salted butter and green almond notes glide through the very classy finish. This has the balance to age for a while. The best Rayas white since Emmanuel Reynaud took over. Drink now through 2015. 53 cases imported. –JM
Rated 94/100 The Wine Spectator
The 2007 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape blanc has turned out to be fabulous. One of the strongest vintages I have yet tasted of this tank-aged blend of equal parts Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it is a flowery white offering notions of honeyed citrus and pears. This full-bodied, powerful wine possesses good acidity and tremendous purity as well as depth. It is impossible to predict how these wines will age (some last for 30-40 years without oxidation, whereas others tend to oxidize quickly), but the 2007 is a sumptuous example of a white Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. It is one of the most limited cuvees of the appellation as fewer than 400 cases are produced in a given vintage.
Rated 93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
This is maturing in feel, with a lanolin edge, but the flavors of chamomile, white peach and pear eau-de-vie are still bright and youthful. Lovely salted butter and green almond notes glide through the very classy finish. This has the balance to age for a while. The best Rayas white since Emmanuel Reynaud took over. Drink now through 2015. 53 cases imported. –JM
Rated 94/100 The Wine Spectator
The 2007 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape blanc has turned out to be fabulous. One of the strongest vintages I have yet tasted of this tank-aged blend of equal parts Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it is a flowery white offering notions of honeyed citrus and pears. This full-bodied, powerful wine possesses good acidity and tremendous purity as well as depth. It is impossible to predict how these wines will age (some last for 30-40 years without oxidation, whereas others tend to oxidize quickly), but the 2007 is a sumptuous example of a white Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. It is one of the most limited cuvees of the appellation as fewer than 400 cases are produced in a given vintage.
Rated 93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
2007 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve....$119.99
As I indicated last year, this estate’s sleeper selection is their 2007 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape, a 100% Grenache from sandy soils. This offering, aged totally in old foudres and demi-muids, includes some of the declassified Rayas lots, and the 2007 is the finest Pignan since the 1990. A medium ruby color is followed by explosive aromas of sweet kirsch, lavender, licorice, and earth. The wine hits the palate with a blast of fruit and glycerin, full body, and an ethereal lightness and elegance that are remarkable for a wine of such intense fruit. A great effort, it may merit an even higher score after a few years in the bottle. Enjoy it over the next 12-15 years.
Rated 93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"Vivid red. Intensely perfumed, expressive aromas of red and dark berry compote, smoky minerals and incense, along with a deep note of black cardamom. Palate-saturating raspberry and kirsch flavors are complicated by suggestions of licorice pastille and candied lavender, with silky tannins adding support. Becomes sappier with air and finishes with excellent clarity and mineral-laced red fruit character"
As I indicated last year, this estate’s sleeper selection is their 2007 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape, a 100% Grenache from sandy soils. This offering, aged totally in old foudres and demi-muids, includes some of the declassified Rayas lots, and the 2007 is the finest Pignan since the 1990. A medium ruby color is followed by explosive aromas of sweet kirsch, lavender, licorice, and earth. The wine hits the palate with a blast of fruit and glycerin, full body, and an ethereal lightness and elegance that are remarkable for a wine of such intense fruit. A great effort, it may merit an even higher score after a few years in the bottle. Enjoy it over the next 12-15 years.
Rated 93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"Vivid red. Intensely perfumed, expressive aromas of red and dark berry compote, smoky minerals and incense, along with a deep note of black cardamom. Palate-saturating raspberry and kirsch flavors are complicated by suggestions of licorice pastille and candied lavender, with silky tannins adding support. Becomes sappier with air and finishes with excellent clarity and mineral-laced red fruit character"
Rated 94/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
SOLD OUT
2007 Chateau de Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Reserve Rouge...$59.99
"Bright red. Black raspberry and floral aromas are complemented by Asian spices, anise and white pepper. Racy, finely etched red berry and cherry flavors stain the palate and become deeper and sweeter with air. Shows no rough edges and finishes with superb focus and sweet, sappy persistence. This puts most Chateauneufs in the shade."
SOLD OUT
2007 Chateau de Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Reserve Rouge...$59.99
"Bright red. Black raspberry and floral aromas are complemented by Asian spices, anise and white pepper. Racy, finely etched red berry and cherry flavors stain the palate and become deeper and sweeter with air. Shows no rough edges and finishes with superb focus and sweet, sappy persistence. This puts most Chateauneufs in the shade."
Rated 93/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
The 2007 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone is outstanding. Revealing plenty of licorice, tapenade, black cherry, and raspberry characteristics in its lovely, rich, medium to full-bodied personality, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10-12 years.
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
2007 Chateau de Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Reserve Blanc....$56.99
The 2007 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc offers copious quantities of honeysuckle, white currants, citrus, and a hint of butter in its full-bodied, chewy, lush personality.
After going through a transitional period after Jacques Reynaud died in 1997, it is safe to say that his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, has returned this venerable estate to its previous level of high quality. While Chateauneuf du Pape is a warm appellation, Rayas is situated in a cool micro-climate, and is undoubtedly not an easy property to maintain. It is also known for its sandy soils, which are in total contrast to the rock-strewn plateau a half mile to the east, west, and south. Two utterly profound Rayas Chateauneuf du Papes have been produced recently, the 2005 and 2007. 2007 is a superb vintage at Chateau Rayas
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
The 2007 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone is outstanding. Revealing plenty of licorice, tapenade, black cherry, and raspberry characteristics in its lovely, rich, medium to full-bodied personality, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10-12 years.
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
2007 Chateau de Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Reserve Blanc....$56.99
The 2007 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc offers copious quantities of honeysuckle, white currants, citrus, and a hint of butter in its full-bodied, chewy, lush personality.
After going through a transitional period after Jacques Reynaud died in 1997, it is safe to say that his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, has returned this venerable estate to its previous level of high quality. While Chateauneuf du Pape is a warm appellation, Rayas is situated in a cool micro-climate, and is undoubtedly not an easy property to maintain. It is also known for its sandy soils, which are in total contrast to the rock-strewn plateau a half mile to the east, west, and south. Two utterly profound Rayas Chateauneuf du Papes have been produced recently, the 2005 and 2007. 2007 is a superb vintage at Chateau Rayas
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
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