I’m glad we still have Randall Grahm to make special wines like this because Lord knows the shitty US importer of Rayas, Pignan, Fonsallette and even Chateau des Tours has decided it’s easier to phone it in by selling out Reynaud Grenaches to the elite “swells” though private channels rather than making it available to less well-heeled wine lovers through normal retail. Fuck that shit. As for my take on this excellent wine, see my most recent note from August 2022 on this, but this is incrementally better and more complex and resolved after several more months’ rest. — 2 years ago
The pure expression of the classic olive taste of Rhone Syrah. Otherwise medium body, medium tannins, m- acidity — 3 years ago
Some residual sweetness and complex natural funk. Fascinating grapes! — 3 years ago
Flash decant this time as usually I open up the “Reynaud wines” a few hours in advance. We started drinking slowly but right away the aromas were very expressive and they opened up slowly to reveal multiple layers of red fruit, spices. I can discern some Grenache to my Burgundian palate but brely, the wine is powerful but approchable at this toung stage, nice freshness and great texture of tannins with an impressive length for a “vin de pays”. 90-91
Ouvert et donné un petit coup de carafe sans ménagement, nous avons commencé à le boire lentement. D’habitude j’ouvre plusieurs heures à l’avance les “vins Reynaud”. Un nez typé avec cette signature tellement envoûtante, expressif dès le départ et a continué à s’ouvrir avec le temps, des fruits rouges de toutes sortes, des épices, plusieurs couches d’arômes s’y développent. La bouche est très fraîche, une trace de Grenache à peine est décelée à mon palais très Bourguignon, le vin est assez puissant mais avec une telle fraîcheur et texture de tannins qui en font un bel ensemble très approchable, même s’il est encore très jeune. Une longueur impressionnante pour le rang et toujours un rapport qualité/prix fort avantageux. 90-91 — 3 years ago
While there can no doubt be some bottle variation with these Reynaud wines, when they’re on they’re on and tonight 07 Fonsalette is fantastic, flaunting all of the house signatures. Super intense layers of kirsch cherry, black raspberry, lavender, game, and sweet Rayas spices waft from the glass. The palate is searingly rich and intense but simultaneously focused in its delivery and gives way to a long, silky finale. In a great spot and a top vintage for the estate, for sure. — 2 years ago
Last night we opened the 2019 Château Sérilhan Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Supérior Médoc. Left Bank Bordeaux blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot by Doctor Alain Reynaud.
On the nose there is black cherry, blackberry, black raspberry, black currant, mint, licorice, pencil shavings, cedar and earth.
On the palate there is black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, black currant, green bell pepper, licorice, menthol, graphite and earth.
This is a beautiful medium to full bodied wine with a smooth succulent mouthfeel medium to medium+ acidity and medium + fine grained tannins that leaves you with a medium + to long dark fruit rich earth finish. Enjoy yourselves this weekend, have some fine wines with family and friends and please stay healthy and safe. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 3 years ago
AEL
I thought this was better than the average review. Ripe, with a distinct brambly, beefy note. Distinctly earthy. Good cost/benefit ratio as well. — 2 months ago