Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,284.00
|
2005 |
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
96+ (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,284.00 |
|
|
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 1998 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £717.00
|
1998 |
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 1998 (1x75cl) Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-92)Complex, fresh aromas of flowers, mint, grilled nuts and musky ginger. Intensely flavored and spicy, with impressive fat and sound supporting acids. Quite stylish and lively. Finishes long and ripe. This shows more grip than most white Chateauneufs I sampled from this vintage. A very strong performance for this wine.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
90-92 (VN (ST)) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £717.00 |
|
|
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2011 (6x75cl)
In Bond: £6,690.00
|
2011 |
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2011 (6x75cl)
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
6x75cl |
1 |
- |
In Bond: £6,690.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1974 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £4,366.00
|
1974 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1974 (1x75cl)
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
- |
In Bond: £4,366.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1976 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £2,988.00
|
1976 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1976 (1x75cl)
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
- |
In Bond: £2,988.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1986 (2x75cl)
In Bond: £3,882.00
|
1986 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1986 (2x75cl)
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
2x75cl |
1 |
- |
In Bond: £3,882.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1990 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £4,172.00
|
1990 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1990 (1x75cl) Wine Advocate (99-100)As for the 1990, I have had the good fortune to drink nearly three cases, and it has been one of the triumphs of my cellar. A mere 1-2 years ago, I enjoyed a succession of perfect “100 point” bottles, but the last several bottles have merited 96-100 points, perhaps revealing the direction of this wine’s evolution. Nevertheless, this is riveting stuff. A legendary Rayas made from extremely ripe Grenache, it exhibits notes of over-ripe kirsch, raspberries, cherries, game, licorice, and tobacco. This unctuously-textured, thick, juicy Chateauneuf must tip the scale at 15.5% alcohol. It is truly a Rhone Valley monument. Owners, however, should consume it over the next 8-10 years.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
2 |
99-100 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £4,172.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1993 (2x75cl)
In Bond: £3,484.00
|
1993 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1993 (2x75cl)
As per photo
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
2x75cl |
1 |
- |
In Bond: £3,484.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1996 (3x75cl)
In Bond: £4,511.00
|
1996 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1996 (3x75cl) Vinous (90+)Good deep red. Deeper aromas of black cherry, raspberry, pepper and licorice. Broad-shouldered but very closed, showing less sweetness today than the '96 Pignan. Red fruit flavors complicated by notes of leather, licorice and herbs. Strong acid/tannin backbone for aging. But tough going today.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
3x75cl |
1 |
90+ (VN) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £4,511.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998 (2x75cl)
In Bond: £3,882.00
|
1998 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998 (2x75cl) Stephen Tanzer - Vinous (95)Deep red color. Superripe, liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, cassis and pepper. Thick and voluminous, with sound acidity giving it excellent freshness and cut. Really striking depth of fruit. Finishes with substantial but unaggressive tannins. I don't find this wine quite as fearsome today as Reynaud suggests. It will age well but should also be accessible in its youth.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
2x75cl |
1 |
95 (ST) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £3,882.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1999 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,633.00
|
1999 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1999 (1x75cl) Vinous (91+)Medium red-ruby. Smoky redcurrant nose, with hints of game, leather and pepper; surmuri notes of dried fruits. Fat but quite fine; less sweet and fruit-driven today than the Pignan but more complex, more serious. This has solid structure for aging. The Pignan always tastes better young than Rayas, Reynaud points out.
Loose bottles
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
2 |
91+ (VN) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,633.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1999 (2x75cl)
In Bond: £3,979.00
|
1999 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1999 (2x75cl) Vinous (91+)Medium red-ruby. Smoky redcurrant nose, with hints of game, leather and pepper; surmuri notes of dried fruits. Fat but quite fine; less sweet and fruit-driven today than the Pignan but more complex, more serious. This has solid structure for aging. The Pignan always tastes better young than Rayas, Reynaud points out.
As per photo - US Label
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
2x75cl |
1 |
91+ (VN) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £3,979.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2000 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,428.00
|
2000 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2000 (1x75cl) Wine Advocate (93)The 2000 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape, which Emmanuel Reynaud believes is better than 1998, came in at a whopping 15.2% alcohol. It is reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of the 1998 and 1999, with a medium to light ruby color, and a sumptuous bouquet of kirsch liqueur, spice box, and licorice. Full-bodied and fleshy, with low acidity, it is a sweet (from high glycerin and alcohol), seductive, intoxicating offering with no hard edges and a rich, fleshy mouthfeel. While it will be hard to resist, I feel the 1998 still has more structure. Anticipated maturity for the 2000: 2005-2016.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
93 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,428.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,623.00
|
2001 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001 (1x75cl) Wine Advocate (92)The 2001 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is more structured and slightly deeper ruby-colored than the light-colored 2000. It also possesses more acidity as well as depth. This terroir-driven effort reveals aromas of raspberries and sweet kirsch as well as a medium-bodied, vigorously fresh, lively style. There is also good flavor authority. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and consume it over the following 15.
-repack
-conditions as per photo
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
92 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,623.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,631.00
|
2003 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 (1x75cl) Wine Advocate (95)The 2003 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape has gone from strength to strength and now looks to be the finest vintage since the monumental 1995. Deep ruby to the rim with that classic Rayas nose of flowers, kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, crushed rocks, and minerals, the wine is dense and concentrated, with a broad, savory mouthfeel, sweet yet silky tannin, fabulous persistence, and a blockbuster finish that just goes on and on. This is a reassuringly profound Rayas that seems to suggest that Emmanuel Reynaud has finally figured out this cold-climate terroir in a warm climate appellation. This wine should be given 3-4 years of bottle age, and drunk over the following 20+ years.
perfect as per photo
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
95 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,631.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,426.00
|
2004 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 (1x75cl) Vinous (94)Medium red. Stunning floral and red berry aromas emphasize raspberry, strawberry and fresh lavender. Bright, focused and pure, with vibrant red fruit and mineral flavors given an exotic twist by a hint of dried apricot. The sweet finish leaves a strong floral pastille impression. The freshness and precision of this wine are really captivating.
repack
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
94 (VN) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,426.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 (12x75cl)
In Bond: £18,584.00
|
2005 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 (12x75cl) Wine Advocate (96+)Showing the more structured, savory and austere side of the vintage, the 2005 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape will be 20-30 year wine. Offering up lots of darker fruits, gunpowder, ground pepper, truffles and licorice, it has full-bodied richness, a beautiful texture and no shortage of tannin or acid, both of which make themselves known on the finish. This is a wine to hide in the cellar for at least another 4-5 years, and it will still be going strong in 2030+. I don't see this matching the 1995 or 2007, but it's not far off.
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
12x75cl |
1 |
96+ (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £18,584.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 (12x75cl)
In Bond: £17,458.00
|
2006 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 (12x75cl) Stephen Tanzer - Vinous (97)Component #1, from "a variety of sites": Fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose, with sweet red and dark fruit preserve flavors. Even sweeter on the finish, with a jolt of lavender pastille. Component #2, from "older vines": Dense cherry and candied violet aromas. Fleshy in texture, with deep, sweet cherry fruit. Became more tannic with air but stayed sweet. Component #3, "from stony soil": Exotic raspberry and Asian spice aromas. Sweet, weighty and improbably elegant, with vivid red fruit flavors and outstanding finishing clarity. Remarkable. Has the potential to be a great vintage for this wine.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
12x75cl |
1 |
97 (ST) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £17,458.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,379.00
|
2006 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 (1x75cl) Stephen Tanzer - Vinous (97)Component #1, from "a variety of sites": Fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose, with sweet red and dark fruit preserve flavors. Even sweeter on the finish, with a jolt of lavender pastille. Component #2, from "older vines": Dense cherry and candied violet aromas. Fleshy in texture, with deep, sweet cherry fruit. Became more tannic with air but stayed sweet. Component #3, "from stony soil": Exotic raspberry and Asian spice aromas. Sweet, weighty and improbably elegant, with vivid red fruit flavors and outstanding finishing clarity. Remarkable. Has the potential to be a great vintage for this wine.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
97 (ST) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,379.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 (6x75cl)
In Bond: £9,130.00
|
2006 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 (6x75cl) Stephen Tanzer - Vinous (97)Component #1, from "a variety of sites": Fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose, with sweet red and dark fruit preserve flavors. Even sweeter on the finish, with a jolt of lavender pastille. Component #2, from "older vines": Dense cherry and candied violet aromas. Fleshy in texture, with deep, sweet cherry fruit. Became more tannic with air but stayed sweet. Component #3, "from stony soil": Exotic raspberry and Asian spice aromas. Sweet, weighty and improbably elegant, with vivid red fruit flavors and outstanding finishing clarity. Remarkable. Has the potential to be a great vintage for this wine.
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
6x75cl |
1 |
97 (ST) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £9,130.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (12x75cl)
In Bond: £16,895.00
|
2007 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (12x75cl) Jancis Robinson (19)We tasted three different ingredients in what will surely be a very famous wine. The first was from ‘the heart of Rayas’ on clay soils around the winery. It was markedly lighter than the Pignan at this stage on the nose but exceptionally rich in weight, while also managing to be racy, sweet and transparent too – as the much more developed Fonsalette had been. The second foudre, filled with wine made from even more clayey soils of Couchon, yielded up a wine with electric energy but one that at the moment was more introvert, while the third was the first–picked lot which even had a note of green along with the richness and animal aromas on the nose but on the palate was extraordinarily sweet and concentrated – yet was probably the chewiest of the three. In fact such was the intensity of the ripe fruit that I hardly noticed tannins at all in the first two samples.
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
12x75cl |
1 |
19 (JR) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £16,895.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,301.00
|
2007 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (1x75cl) Jancis Robinson (19)We tasted three different ingredients in what will surely be a very famous wine. The first was from ‘the heart of Rayas’ on clay soils around the winery. It was markedly lighter than the Pignan at this stage on the nose but exceptionally rich in weight, while also managing to be racy, sweet and transparent too – as the much more developed Fonsalette had been. The second foudre, filled with wine made from even more clayey soils of Couchon, yielded up a wine with electric energy but one that at the moment was more introvert, while the third was the first–picked lot which even had a note of green along with the richness and animal aromas on the nose but on the palate was extraordinarily sweet and concentrated – yet was probably the chewiest of the three. In fact such was the intensity of the ripe fruit that I hardly noticed tannins at all in the first two samples.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
19 (JR) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,301.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (2x75cl)
In Bond: £2,602.00
|
2007 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (2x75cl) Jancis Robinson (19)We tasted three different ingredients in what will surely be a very famous wine. The first was from ‘the heart of Rayas’ on clay soils around the winery. It was markedly lighter than the Pignan at this stage on the nose but exceptionally rich in weight, while also managing to be racy, sweet and transparent too – as the much more developed Fonsalette had been. The second foudre, filled with wine made from even more clayey soils of Couchon, yielded up a wine with electric energy but one that at the moment was more introvert, while the third was the first–picked lot which even had a note of green along with the richness and animal aromas on the nose but on the palate was extraordinarily sweet and concentrated – yet was probably the chewiest of the three. In fact such was the intensity of the ripe fruit that I hardly noticed tannins at all in the first two samples.
Loose bottles, as pictures
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
2x75cl |
1 |
19 (JR) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £2,602.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (6x75cl)
In Bond: £9,712.00
|
2007 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (6x75cl) Jancis Robinson (19)We tasted three different ingredients in what will surely be a very famous wine. The first was from ‘the heart of Rayas’ on clay soils around the winery. It was markedly lighter than the Pignan at this stage on the nose but exceptionally rich in weight, while also managing to be racy, sweet and transparent too – as the much more developed Fonsalette had been. The second foudre, filled with wine made from even more clayey soils of Couchon, yielded up a wine with electric energy but one that at the moment was more introvert, while the third was the first–picked lot which even had a note of green along with the richness and animal aromas on the nose but on the palate was extraordinarily sweet and concentrated – yet was probably the chewiest of the three. In fact such was the intensity of the ripe fruit that I hardly noticed tannins at all in the first two samples.
as per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
6x75cl |
2 |
19 (JR) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £9,712.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008 (12x75cl)
In Bond: £16,613.00
|
2008 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008 (12x75cl) Wine Advocate (93)A much lighter style of wine, but showing far better now that it has had some time in bottle, is Emmanuel Reynaud’s 2008 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Medium ruby, with a classic nose of kirsch liqueur intermixed with Provencal herbs, sandy, loamy soil notes, some licorice and steak tartare, this wine is fleshy, medium to full-bodied, round, generous, and surprisingly seductive and luscious. I wouldn’t be surprised if many tasters prefer this over the bigger, richer, more structured and potentially far greater 2007, at least for the next 4-5 years. This is a sensational effort and one of the finest wines of the vintage, the most challenging year in Chateauneuf du Pape since the historical deluge in 2002.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
12x75cl |
1 |
93 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £16,613.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,379.00
|
2008 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008 (1x75cl) Wine Advocate (93)A much lighter style of wine, but showing far better now that it has had some time in bottle, is Emmanuel Reynaud’s 2008 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Medium ruby, with a classic nose of kirsch liqueur intermixed with Provencal herbs, sandy, loamy soil notes, some licorice and steak tartare, this wine is fleshy, medium to full-bodied, round, generous, and surprisingly seductive and luscious. I wouldn’t be surprised if many tasters prefer this over the bigger, richer, more structured and potentially far greater 2007, at least for the next 4-5 years. This is a sensational effort and one of the finest wines of the vintage, the most challenging year in Chateauneuf du Pape since the historical deluge in 2002.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
4 |
93 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,379.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008 (6x75cl)
In Bond: £9,130.00
|
2008 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008 (6x75cl) Wine Advocate (93)A much lighter style of wine, but showing far better now that it has had some time in bottle, is Emmanuel Reynaud’s 2008 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Medium ruby, with a classic nose of kirsch liqueur intermixed with Provencal herbs, sandy, loamy soil notes, some licorice and steak tartare, this wine is fleshy, medium to full-bodied, round, generous, and surprisingly seductive and luscious. I wouldn’t be surprised if many tasters prefer this over the bigger, richer, more structured and potentially far greater 2007, at least for the next 4-5 years. This is a sensational effort and one of the finest wines of the vintage, the most challenging year in Chateauneuf du Pape since the historical deluge in 2002.
as per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
6x75cl |
1 |
93 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £9,130.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 (12x75cl)
In Bond: £16,895.00
|
2009 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 (12x75cl) Wine Advocate (98)The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is an awesome example of elegance combined with extraordinary power. The alcohol levels must be between 15.5% and 16%, but the elegance and sublime nature of this wine make it irresistible. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of framboise, black cherry liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits, licorice and a hint of flowers. Pure with terrific layers of fruit concentration (although it's remarkably light on its feet), silky tannins, well-integrated acidity and a stunning personality, this monumental Rayas is breathtaking. This beauty will undoubtedly be drinkable early on (although Emmanuel Reynaud considers that to be infanticide), and it is capable of lasting 25-30 years.
One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007.
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
12x75cl |
1 |
98 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £16,895.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 (1x75cl)
In Bond: £1,360.00
|
2009 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 (1x75cl) Wine Advocate (98)The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is an awesome example of elegance combined with extraordinary power. The alcohol levels must be between 15.5% and 16%, but the elegance and sublime nature of this wine make it irresistible. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of framboise, black cherry liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits, licorice and a hint of flowers. Pure with terrific layers of fruit concentration (although it's remarkably light on its feet), silky tannins, well-integrated acidity and a stunning personality, this monumental Rayas is breathtaking. This beauty will undoubtedly be drinkable early on (although Emmanuel Reynaud considers that to be infanticide), and it is capable of lasting 25-30 years.
One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007.
As per photos
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
1x75cl |
1 |
98 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £1,360.00 |
|
|
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 (3x75cl)
In Bond: £3,494.00
|
2009 |
Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 (3x75cl) Wine Advocate (98)The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is an awesome example of elegance combined with extraordinary power. The alcohol levels must be between 15.5% and 16%, but the elegance and sublime nature of this wine make it irresistible. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of framboise, black cherry liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits, licorice and a hint of flowers. Pure with terrific layers of fruit concentration (although it's remarkably light on its feet), silky tannins, well-integrated acidity and a stunning personality, this monumental Rayas is breathtaking. This beauty will undoubtedly be drinkable early on (although Emmanuel Reynaud considers that to be infanticide), and it is capable of lasting 25-30 years.
One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007.
Repack loose
Estimated Arrival to United Kingdom: 5-7 weeks
|
Rhone |
3x75cl |
1 |
98 (WA) Read Review/Description
|
In Bond: £3,494.00 |
|
|