Vinous (93)

Wine Advocate (91-93)

The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 hails from the prestigious domaine de Pignan vineyards, nestled in the heart of Rhone valley. This peerless crimson elixir embodies high distinctiveness and complexity, a masterpiece crafted by the virtuoso dauntlessly trailblazing under the emblem of Emmanuel Reynaud. This red wine is a harmonious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, each vinified separately in concrete tanks before ageing in old casks, revealing a perfect balance of rich, robust flavours and delicate subtlety.

Reputed for its aristocratic tannins and a remarkable, intense cataloupe of dark fruits, hints of leather and notes of spice, the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 lingers tantalisingly on the palate. The 2013 vintage offers a radiant, complex expression of this masterful Rhone blend. Evoking a tapestry of fruit complexity and refined elegance, Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 is a distinguished testament to Rhone's rich winemaking heritage.

The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 hails from the prestigious domaine de Pignan vineyards, nestled in the heart of Rhone valley. This peerless crimson elixir embodies high distinctiveness and complexity, a masterpiece crafted by the virtuoso dauntlessly trailblazing under the emblem of Emmanuel Reynaud. This red wine is a harmonious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, each vinified separately in concrete tanks before ageing in old casks, revealing a perfect balance of rich, robust flavours and delicate subtlety.

Reputed for its aristocratic tannins and a remarkable, intense cataloupe of dark fruits, hints of leather and notes of spice, the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 lingers tantalisingly on the palate. The 2013 vintage offers a radiant, complex expression of this masterful Rhone blend. Evoking a tapestry of fruit complexity and refined elegance, Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 is a distinguished testament to Rhone's rich winemaking heritage.

The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 hails from the prestigious domaine de Pignan vineyards, nestled in the heart of Rhone valley. This peerless crimson elixir embodies high distinctiveness and complexity, a masterpiece crafted by the virtuoso dauntlessly trailblazing under the emblem of Emmanuel Reynaud. This red wine is a harmonious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, each vinified separately in concrete tanks before ageing in old casks, revealing a perfect balance of rich, robust flavours and delicate subtlety.

Reputed for its aristocratic tannins and a remarkable, intense cataloupe of dark fruits, hints of leather and notes of spice, the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 lingers tantalisingly on the palate. The 2013 vintage offers a radiant, complex expression of this masterful Rhone blend. Evoking a tapestry of fruit complexity and refined elegance, Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 is a distinguished testament to Rhone's rich winemaking heritage.

Vinous (92)

Delighting the palate, the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2011 is produced by the renowned Chateau Rayas in the Rhone Valley of France. This exquisite white wine, made from purely white grape varietals, splendidly reflects the character of its terroir. The wine undergoes fermentation in old oak barrels, followed by aging on lees, resulting in a remarkable depth and complexity of flavour. Notes of honey, apricot, and almond harmoniously blend with a vivid acidity, offering a rounded, smooth, and long-lasting finish. Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2011 is truly a testament to the Chateau's mastery in winemaking, standing alongside the world's finest vintages. Its limited production and the estate's commitment to low-intervention viticulture have only spurred its desirability among connoisseurs. Revel in the vibrant richness of this exceptional wine, which sets the bar for the region's full-bodied white wines.

Wine Advocate (90-92)

As a fine wine aficionado, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1996 is indeed a celebration of exceptional viticulture and exquisite taste. Produced in the famed wine region of Cotes Du Rhone, Fonsalette estate's Syrah 1996 is lauded for its robust structure and distinct layers of complex flavours. This magnificent French wine exhibits a vibrant, deep red hue, presenting a nose full of ripe fruits. A taste reveals the skilful artistry behind its production, marrying plush intensity with a refined finish. The estate, owned by Emmanuel Reynaud, prides itself on its traditional methods used for this vintage. The fruit was harvested manually, fermented in concrete vats, then carefully aged in oak barrels. With a reputation that lives up to the Rhone Valley’s illustrious status, each sip of Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1996 is a testament to its careful craftmanship and unhurried maturation process - a true masterpiece in a bottle.

In the realm of exquisite wines, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1997 stands supreme. Produced in the illustrious vineyards of the southern Rhone region, it is a testament to French viticulture's finesse. Made under the expert hands of legendary vintner Emmanuel Reynaud, it combines tradition and innovation to birth excellence. Harvested solely from organic Syrah grapes, the wine is cultivated in famed centenarian vineyards and aged meticulously in old oak casks to enhance its noble character.

The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1997 captivates with its intense garnet hue, hinting at its distinguished maturity. An aromatic medley of red berries, black pepper, and violets greets the senses, underpinned by a broad-shouldered structure that echoes its fine terroir. With an exceptional length and harmonious balance, each sip is a revelation. Regarded globally as a classic, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1997 is a benchmark example of the Rhone Valley's winemaking prowess.

The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1999 is a revered, classic vintage. Sourced from the esteemed Château Rayas estate in Southern Rhône, this wine exhibits a delicate mastery in viticulture. The Syrah grapes cultivated on stony fields, basked in a Mediterranean climate yield an intense, complex libation. Out of the estate's 13-hectare spread of vineyards, Fonsalette dedicatively chooses plots for this Syrah. The wine is traditionally fermented and matured in oak barrels, achieving profound depth and character. The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1999 flaunts a dynamic bouquet of blackcurrants and cherries, with a playful hint of spice. Its full-bodied nature and round tannins contribute to a seamlessly enduring finish. The Château Rayas estate, run by the renowned Reynaud family since 1880, is known for minimally intervened, meticulously crafted produce. Hence, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1999 can be regarded as an exhibit of artisan perfection.

The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2000 is a true embodiment of the prestigious Rhone Valley. Produced by the esteemed Château Rayas, it reflects the nuanced craftsmanship that has spanned generations. The Syrah grapes are painstakingly hand-harvested from vines planted in the iron-rich, stony soils of the Fonsalette estate. Here, a combination of Mediterranean climate and altitude blesses the grapes with optimal ripening conditions.

After harvest, the Syrah grapes undergo meticulous vinification. Traditional fermentation in concrete vats is employed, preserving the grape's natural qualities. The wine is then matured in foudres (large wooden casks) for nearly two years, imbuing it with a pronounced expression of terroir and complexity.

The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2000 unveils an elegant palate, marked by black fruit, spices, and leathery undertones, promising an unforgettable tasting experience. As efforts in the vineyard and cellar converge, this wine is a testament to Rhone Valley's rich winemaking tradition.

Delve into a bottle of the exquisite Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2003, a unique exemplification of French winemaking excellence. Nestled within the sun-drenched terrains of the Rhone Valley, this pure Syrah creation hails from Domaine de Fonsalette, a property held with high esteem under the Château Rayas umbrella. The esteemed producer Emmanuel Reynaud crafts this Syrah, renowned for unparalleled dedication to traditional winemaking practices. The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2003, aged in old oak foudres, presents an enchantingly ripe and complex nose of black fruit, spice, and leather. On the palate, the wine unveils a remarkable balance between acidity and tannins, culminating in a surprisingly fresh finish despite its age. This distinguished Syrah, embodying the time-honoured savoir-faire and expressiveness of its terroir, will indeed delight discerning fine wine aficionados. Experience the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2003 - the epitome of Rhone Valley's vinicultural excellence.

An embodiment of provenance and artistry, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2004 emanates the finest spirit of the Rhone Valley. Carefully crafted by Emmanuel Reynaud of Chateau Rayas, this illustrious Syrah was produced with meticulous care in Fonsalette, a vineyard region celebrated for its unique terroir. The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2004 was matured in old oak, reinforcing its abundant fruit profiles with generous layers of spice and earthy undertones.

This vintage radiates a lavish bouquet -exuding ripe cherries, plums and blackberries, interwoven with warming notes of star anise, cedar, and tobacco leaf. On the palate, it is harmoniously composed, testifying opulent fruitiness juxtaposed against well-integrated, supple tannins, rousing to a remarkable finish. Renowned globally for creating wines of exceptional depth and structure, Emmanuel Reynaud upholds his reputation with Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2004, a true testament to his winemaking prowess.

Indulge in the esteemed Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2006, a remarkable expression of the Rhône Valley. Vibrant and expressive, this Syrah is a profound testament to the well-respected winemaking prowess of Domaine du Château Rayas. This producer has a longstanding reputation for crafting exquisite, collectible wines, and the Fonsalette Syrah 2006 is exemplary of their craft.

Coming from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, this vintage proffers profound layers of dark fruit and enticing spices interwoven with fine-grained tannins and a superbly balanced acidity. Made exclusively from Syrah, this deep ruby elixir underwent traditional vinification before being manicured to perfection in oak. Decadently full-bodied, this Syrah showcases the exquisite terroir from which it hails, reflecting the soil's minerality.

The lingering finish makes the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2006 an unforgettable treat for both avid collectors and connoisseurs, an extraordinary selection that will add refinement to any fine wine selection.

Experience the opulent Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2007, an outstanding representation of French oenology from the acclaimed producer Emmanuel Reynaud. This creation hails from the renowned vineyards of Cotes Du Rhone, a territory known for producing fierce, power-packed wines. Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2007 is no exception, boasting a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache.

This dark and intense wine showcases the potential of Rhone wines. It offers an enticing bouquet of concentrated black fruit entwined with spice and undercurrents of soft tannins, culminating in an attention-demanding finish. Each bottle bears the mark of meticulous traditional viticulture practices and extended maturation in old foudres, ensuring an exquisite expression of the vintage.

Enjoy this jewel of a wine with hearty meals, or as a stand-alone treat. The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2007 should undoubtedly hold a special place in the cellar of every discerning wine aficionado.

Expertly crafted in the esteemed winemaking region of Rhone, France, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2008 is a splendid exemplification of meticulous viniculture. Sourced from the celebrated Domaine du Remy, this exquisite Syrah exhibits a deep ruby hue indicative of its bold and intense flavour profile. Using traditional techniques, the grapes are hand-picked at peak freshness, ensuring premium quality and rich complexity. The subsequent fermentation in aged oak casks enhances the wine's inherent spiciness, enveloping the palate in tantalising notes of black fruit, pepper, and a hint of leather.

On the nose, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2008 presents a captivating bouquet of lavender, tobacco, and dark cherries. Matured for a decade before release, this Syrah is a testament to the slow and patient winemaking process that has cemented the Rhone Valley's global reputation. A magnificent vintage, it enchants connoisseurs with its balanced acidity and firm tannin structure.

Vinous (91)

Vinous - Josh Raynolds (92-94)

A product of remarkable elegance, Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet 2005 is a testament to the skill and innovation of the Gonnet family. Stationed in the esteemed Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of Rhône, Southern France, for over five generations, their old-growth vines produce an expressive wine, underpinned by a profound respect for tradition.

The Etienne Gonnet 2005 features predominantly Grenache, subtly accented with Syrah and Mourvèdre. It is aged carefully in oak casks, permeating the vintage with a beguiling complexity. This resplendent red is renowned for its impressive structure, powerful fruit intensity, and a sophisticated hint of spice and blackberry. The tight-knit tannins and balanced acidity make for a lingering, satiny finish.

Impeccably crafted and aging beautifully, the Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet 2005 embodies the Gonnet family's ardour for superb, authentic winemaking, making it a prized addition to any cellar. This a wine that truly underscores the depth and splendour of its terroir.

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