Château Rayas
Chateau de Fonsalette Réservé Côtes du Rhône Syrah
Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
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.
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.
Feb 2nd, 2025A complete smoke show and unanimously the star of the flight. It’s no wonder the demand for these wines have skyrocketed. They are singular expressions with unmatched purity and character. The visual, nose and palate effortlessly command attention. Aromas and flavors unique from anything else in the Southern Rhône. The experience is a bit like going to a Billie Eilish concert with only basic knowledge of her music or persona, only to leave in awe because you just witnessed a once in a generation talent doing something undeniably special. Like Billie, a wine of character, authenticity and showmanship.
A complete smoke show and unanimously the star of the flight. It’s no wonder the demand for these wines have skyrocketed. They are singular expressions with unmatched purity and character. The visual, nose and palate effortlessly command attention. Aromas and flavors unique from anything else in the Southern Rhône. The experience is a bit like going to a Billie Eilish concert with only basic knowledge of her music or persona, only to leave in awe because you just witnessed a once in a generation talent doing something undeniably special. Like Billie, a wine of character, authenticity and showmanship.
Sep 17th, 2022
Silky, rich, complex… just a terrific bottle. Certainly accessible now but will hold for a while.
Silky, rich, complex… just a terrific bottle. Certainly accessible now but will hold for a while.
May 26th, 2025
Magnifique bouteille d’une jeunesse insolente
Respect Mr Reynaud !
Magnifique bouteille d’une jeunesse insolente
Respect Mr Reynaud !
Dark color still, meaty, bacon, dark fruits, so complex for a mere Cotes du Rhône, very long finish, this is just outstanding!!
Dark color still, meaty, bacon, dark fruits, so complex for a mere Cotes du Rhône, very long finish, this is just outstanding!!
Jan 6th, 2022Meaty, smoky, dark-fruited Syrah, flavors show the meaty dark fruits, also some still solid structure, so youthful, this will outlast me, long, peppery, spicy, finish, another great Fonsalette “Cuvee Syrah”!! Wish I’d bought more!!
Meaty, smoky, dark-fruited Syrah, flavors show the meaty dark fruits, also some still solid structure, so youthful, this will outlast me, long, peppery, spicy, finish, another great Fonsalette “Cuvee Syrah”!! Wish I’d bought more!!
Dec 20th, 2020
