Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
The 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve bursts from the glass with kirsch and black plum, sharing some glycerine notes with the 2011. Time reveals touches of sloe and violet. The palate is medium-bodied with exceptionally pure red fruit plus inflections of blood orange and clove. As I wrote before, there is a beguiling complexity to this Rayas, and it is just beginning to drink perfectly now. Tasted at the Rayas dinner at La Trompette in London.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2042
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
Very youthful nose but amazingly rich, seductive palate – real intensity. Amazing that such pure vibrancy can be drawn from one of Rayas’ cobwebby casks. (SeeVisiting Chateau Rayas video.) Racy, harmonious, very tender and tastes so sweet, yet the acidity (just) counterbalances the richness
Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018
Robert Parker 93
The elegant 2006 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is not as powerful as the 2005 or 2007, but it offers a deep ruby color as well as opulent, fleshy, kirsch and black raspberry characteristics along with hints of spring flowers and loamy soil. A sexy, showy, beautifully balanced, silky effort, it is already approachable, and should drink well for two decades., After going through a transitional period after Jacques Reynaud died in 1997, it is safe to say that his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, has returned this venerable estate to its previous level of high quality. While Chateauneuf du Pape is a warm appellation, Rayas is situated in a cool micro-climate, and is undoubtedly not an easy property to maintain. It is also known for its sandy soils, which are in total contrast to the rock-strewn plateau a half mile to the east, west, and south. Two utterly profound Rayas Chateauneuf du Papes have been produced recently, the 2005 and 2007. 2007 is a superb vintage at Chateau Rayas Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028
