K. Syrah

9.2

2017: Well-rated, very good CDP that features darker stewed fruit flavors and a good amount of port and earth nuances. While it suffers a typical CDP lack of acidity and vibrancy at this stage the fruit concentration makes this an above-average bottling and complements the growing complexity. Good value at $52 (VR). — a month ago

Dean Butler

9.0

At Barrington’s. — a year ago

Martinez

9.4

One of Usseglio’s top cuvées, Mon Aïeul (“my granddad”) is 100% Grenache from some of the estate’s oldest vines (about 85 years of age) in La Crau, La Guigasse and Les Grandes Serres lieux-dits – each with a different type of soil.

Situated on an elevated plateau to the east of the village, La Crau is perhaps Châteauneuf’s most famous cru, known for its distinctive “galets roulés”, large, rounded river stones deposited here by the Rhône millions of years ago. To the south of the village, Les Grandes Serres is a very warm site on gravelly alluvial soils (and the source of the estate’s biggest wine, the 18% ABV “Not for You”). La Guigasse, on the other hand, is a cooler, sandier site with hardly any galets located on the northeastern part of the appellation, near the famous Pignan and Rayas lieux-dits (Chateau Rayas)

Mostly unoaked, it was brought up in concrete vats, with 15-20% in demi-muids. Ruby red color. Intensely perfumed, with notes of red and dark fruit (strawberry, raspberry), licorice and herbs. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and concentrated. Ripe fruit (cherry) and white pepper, smooth and creamy on the palate. Long, velvety, quite tannic finish. Hedonistic wine. — a year ago

Jay Kline

9.2

The color of the 2000 Pignan is a brilliant pale ruby color and slightly cloudy. Noticeably lighter in complexion than the others in the CdP flight. Yep…it has that scintillating, heady nose that is so unique to Rayas. Pine needles, wild strawberries, cardamom…woof. This bottle had some VA but I didn’t mind. Perhaps not the most exciting Rayas but I’m splitting hairs here. A very nice pairing with cassoulet, Toulouse sausage and duck confit. Drink now and through 2035. Merci Matt! — a month ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

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. — a year ago

John W

9.2

Ruby coloration. Notable transparency- can see through to the bottom of the glass. On the nose, dark cherry, anise, herbs, and some forest floor. On the palate, cherry, anise, very ripe cantaloupe, vanilla, and a long finish. Full body and nice, rich mouthfeel. Balanced tannins and acidity. $60 at B21. — 3 years ago

Katie

9.5

Wine club November — 3 years ago

Brian S

9.1

Smoky, meaty, and minty, good but needs lamb. — 5 months ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.1

Rich and sweet fruit. 16%. Slightly hot, no? But oddly balanced. Tannins are there but sweet fruit overwhelms this. Ditto acid. Pretty hedonistic. 2019 — 5 months ago

Doug Powers

9.2

Very mineral and floral up front, seems riper than the Pignan Regnie and Chamonard Morgon, but 2011 seems to supply the requisite backbone and structure, nice balance, medium-long finish, very good! — 2 years ago

with Jim