Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache Blend

Whatever you want to call me , Rayas fanboy, groupie, fanatic, I am guilty as charged.
After a night of drinking some very special burgundy and champagne , I pulled this out as the evenings festivities were coming to an end. No decant just a pop and pour . Like a great racehorse it overcame many challenges and handicaps before it emerged victorious . Meteorites of cherry, raspberry and mint assault your nose. In the mouth, pure red fruit is joined by pepper and earth where it all combines to stage a “sit in “ that does not end. A gift from Bacchus

It is a great rayas almost at par with 2007 and 2010. Fully mature with this typical feminine Grenache taste. Wow happy to drink it once more.

Les Riceys Champagne Terroir Study (all Les Riceys•2009 vintage•Pinot noir•zero dosage•4 different sites) + Old vs. New World Grenache Study: medium garnet, Brett is very evidence, tannins have resolved, no texture or power, 100% Grenache, 14% ABV, $370, disappointing, would have preferred to have consumed earlier

Make sure you are sitting when you start smelling this. Spice , earth , red fruit with hints of some darker fruit and incense leap at you. The palate shows more reticent giving you primary fruit and acid that lingers in the mouth. Swims in your mouth like a great white shark. Will not open another for at least 5+ years.

Rajat had this 11 years ago

2005 vintage extremely tasty. Tastes great and this wine has another 20 years of life. No doubt a superb effort but I am very worried. Just like Bordeaux is no longer claret, rayas is no longer a delicate wine. Rayas was a delicate, subtle, light colored, feminine wine. It has become high alcohol, big color, masculine wine. Very good but I miss the elegance. Has Emanuelle Reynaud listened too much to RP. We don't need another Pegau. Rayas was just fine as it was.

Un-be-lievable!! Had the 08 for thanksgiving. This is light years beyond it. France doing what it does best contrasting with Napa Grenache: nice integrated red (not blue) fruit with some kick on the back end. Somehow hitting beautiful secondary notes (and maybe tertiary?) at a young age. Feels like it could age forever. Need to get another to try in 10 years. This and Henri Bonneau are my two fav Grenache, if you haven't tried check them out!

Outside liar. Killer.

Beautiful, classic Rayas. Excellent brush and underbrush. Wonderful Grenache spiciness.

Blanc