Château Rayas
Réservé Pignan Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
The colour of Tawny Port - burnished and faded. A gorgeous red fruited perfume together with dried herbs - intoxicating rich concentrated aromas belies the fading colour. Rich stewed raspberries on the palate with earthy notes - a tarry note but dominated by the raspberry - overall delicious with M+ Intensity. Amazingly bloody good for a 2nd wine admittedly to the mighty Chateau Rayas. One of the best 100% Grenaches ever for me.
The colour of Tawny Port - burnished and faded. A gorgeous red fruited perfume together with dried herbs - intoxicating rich concentrated aromas belies the fading colour. Rich stewed raspberries on the palate with earthy notes - a tarry note but dominated by the raspberry - overall delicious with M+ Intensity. Amazingly bloody good for a 2nd wine admittedly to the mighty Chateau Rayas. One of the best 100% Grenaches ever for me.
Nov 13th, 2021
A requested pre-dinner decant served very well as explosive and distinctive Rayas aromatics assert themselves immediately. It’s very complex, hedonistic and layered with flavors you can’t stop listing as they come at you in waves and do somersaults in the glass. Signature kirsch cherry liquor, winter citrus, black raspberry, sage, lavender, incense and a fine mineral infusion on the back end.
There is superb intensity and a palate saturating texture while at the same time it has an airy weightlessness and sensual elegance. Finishes with great energy, length and persistence. This is a fantastic vintage for the Raynaud wines especially, with clearly many more great years ahead to evolve and gain even further complexity.
A requested pre-dinner decant served very well as explosive and distinctive Rayas aromatics assert themselves immediately. It’s very complex, hedonistic and layered with flavors you can’t stop listing as they come at you in waves and do somersaults in the glass. Signature kirsch cherry liquor, winter citrus, black raspberry, sage, lavender, incense and a fine mineral infusion on the back end.
There is superb intensity and a palate saturating texture while at the same time it has an airy weightlessness and sensual elegance. Finishes with great energy, length and persistence. This is a fantastic vintage for the Raynaud wines especially, with clearly many more great years ahead to evolve and gain even further complexity.
Intense dark blackcurrant and tarragon, cracked black pepper, dark cherry covered in dark chocolate on the nose.
Palate rich, opulant, generous and sharing. Just an incredible amount of flavors to keep track. Black tea, more and more tarragon, black raspberry. Just a hint of alcohol at the finish. Every flavor and texture has direction and intention.
Intense dark blackcurrant and tarragon, cracked black pepper, dark cherry covered in dark chocolate on the nose.
Palate rich, opulant, generous and sharing. Just an incredible amount of flavors to keep track. Black tea, more and more tarragon, black raspberry. Just a hint of alcohol at the finish. Every flavor and texture has direction and intention.
Pignan is a lesser cuvée made by Chateau Rayas. Leather, red currant with soft tannins. Medium bodied and delicious from a good year. 100% Grenache from the northern or cooler section of CdP. An excellent match with a wonderful chicken dish.
Pignan is a lesser cuvée made by Chateau Rayas. Leather, red currant with soft tannins. Medium bodied and delicious from a good year. 100% Grenache from the northern or cooler section of CdP. An excellent match with a wonderful chicken dish.
Aug 11th, 2018Bordering on ethereal! Complex, floral, savory nose; luscious, silky, deep and great length and structure. Thanks @Tran Hai for putting this on list at Mandolin - last bottle now consumed!
Bordering on ethereal! Complex, floral, savory nose; luscious, silky, deep and great length and structure. Thanks @Tran Hai for putting this on list at Mandolin - last bottle now consumed!
Apr 29th, 2015
Pretty, floral, animal, tomato leaf, slightly juicy. The vintage is coming through. Prefer the 05, but not complaining!
Pretty, floral, animal, tomato leaf, slightly juicy. The vintage is coming through. Prefer the 05, but not complaining!
Feb 7th, 2015
Might have liked this more that '98 Beaucastel the night before. Is that ok?
Might have liked this more that '98 Beaucastel the night before. Is that ok?
Feb 21st, 2014Wow! Great vintage and definitely accessible now. Must rival the Rayas...silky, perfumed, ethereal, great structure and length. Need to find more!
Wow! Great vintage and definitely accessible now. Must rival the Rayas...silky, perfumed, ethereal, great structure and length. Need to find more!
Jun 21st, 2013
Not a great bottle sadly
Not a great bottle sadly
Feb 17th, 2013