Vanessa

9.2

We were initially drawn to this iconic Art Deco label but fell in love with what’s on the inside…

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvèdre, produced by L’Oratoire des Papes.

It’s a youthful wine (considering its potential lifespan) bursting with fruit on the nose and palate, such as stewed strawberry, ripe raspberry, red and black plum, cherry, boysenberry, blueberry, kirsch, wildflowers, dark chocolate, vanilla, cured meat, graphite, licorice, anise, black peppercorn, clove, tobacco, and wet leaves.

On the palate this wine is dry, with warming and well-integrated alcohol (15% ABV), a full body, and notable acidity that adds lift to the plush and fleshy characteristics. The tannins are ripe and smooth. The finish lingers.

We’re appreciating the balance of vibrant fruit and layers of non-fruit qualities. — 16 days ago

with Deked1

Jay Kline

9.5

Opened earlier in the day and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1982 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) and slightly green compared to the ’82 Mouton that was poured alongside. Cassis, purple Chewy SweeTarts, green bell pepper, old wood, some earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry and has massive structure still. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly bitter. Drink now with a long decant but there are decades of life left. — 6 days ago

Mark S.

8.9

Good. Chateau de la Gardine 20 @10890, Pieroth, 241115 — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.4

[En magnum] Dried redfruits, smooth and mature, relatively clean (very low Brett) bottle, good balance and length, lingering finish, very fine aged Beaucastel. — 3 days ago

with Jim

Mike Evans

9.2

Peppery with sweet fruit, showing well. — 14 hours ago

romo

9.3

Length and weight you don’t expect from the mature nose. Likes air. — a month ago

Gilbert Van Hassel

9.6

Two great thanksgiving wines but with a very clear winner and not even difficult to guess. I have zero emotion with the Margaux and love the elegance of the Rayas even in a year that may be a bit less. — 23 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

This was still youthful & needed some air showing cherry, red berry, spice, mocha with floral & tobacco notes. — 8 days ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.5

50th. Excellent if a bit boring. Lacked energy and fell a bit flat. Nice but 22 Buffet Chenes blew it away. — 23 days ago

Thijs Hendriks

9.5

Wow, this wine gained so much, and still just entering it’s drinking window. Plenty of ripe red fruits, integrated acidity dried herbs, freshness and velvety tannins. An umami experience. Well done. — a month ago