Château Rayas
Château Rayas
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache 2012
The nose is just gorgeous. Lifted and pure. Translucent. Bright consommé-like raspberry, cherry with an earthy bloodiness underpinning. Super pure. Excellent — 3 months ago
G.A.E.C. Bonneau & Fils
Réserve des Célestins Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2014
One of the last couple vintages from the master, and while it won’t be as legendary as the finale of 2015 (which is one to hold), the cool 2014 vintage has been managed beautifully, and allows for early drinking. After 2 hours in the decanter it’s wonderfully expressive and aromatic wafting layers of kirsch cherries, saddle leather, camphor and violets. The palate shows striking richness and an impeccable balance of elegance, ripeness and concentration, which is quite the feat in this vintage.
When you think of vintages in Rhône that are considered to be less heralded, such as 2008 for example, typicites just don’t exist for the likes of Bonneau and Rayas. (08 happens to be one of my favorites for both). Ultimately there are no bad vintages for Bonneau, just different ones. Beautiful wine. — 8 months ago
Domaine des Tours
Réserve Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Red Rhone Blend 2019
This ain’t Rayas. Would be great at $20, but the pedigree has this way overpriced these days. — 2 months ago
Château Rayas
Chateau de Fonsalette Réservé Côtes du Rhône Syrah 2008
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days and consistent throughout. The 2008 Cuvèe Syrah pours a deep, hazy ruby/purple color with a near translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with heady notes of ripe black and red fruits: mixed brambles, garrigue, lavender, black pepper, salmiakki, olive brine, spiced and cured meat, and dry stony earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish lasts for ten minutes (no cap); savory and spicy. This is my second time getting to enjoy this truly special wine and both experiences were consistent. Drink now with a 30min decant and enjoy through 2033. — 5 months ago
Château Rayas
Reserve Château de Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône Red Rhone Blend 2006
2006 vintage. Opened and put aside for a half hour, then decanted and tasted after an hour. Excellent fill and cork with minimal sed. Rusty, brickish color. Earthy, spicy nose. Light bodied. Phenomenal amounts of undying back palate push and spice “componentry” to vault this into Holy Bleep territory. Another decade at this level. Such a pleasure. 04.18.25. — 3 months ago
Mark Rosse
A bit beyond its peak. Still soft and sexy — 2 days ago