Rayas
Chateau Rayas is one of the Southern Rhone’s top producers. Producing arguably the best Grenache from surprisingly young vines and top-tier Syrah at neighbouring Fonsalette this is a unique producer making the most of the shallow hostile soils of the region.
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Vinous (98)
Having followed the 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve from barrel and tasted it several times in bottle, this tasting reaffirmed it as a hallmark Rayas, arguably the finest during the late Emmanuel Reynaud's stewardship of the domaine. The nose is quintessential Rayas: an exuberant burst of kirsch layered with stemmy nuances, dried rosemary, sage and a medley of dried red fruits. On the full-bodied palate it shows energy and concentration in a seamless frame of silky tannins, which are remarkably refined within the context of a vintage otherwise marked by edgier textures. The finale is long, spicy and superbly poised with effortless balance. Slowly entering its prime drinking window, the 2005 Rayas promises at least two more decades of pleasure. This bottle was opened six hours in advance without decanting.Inc. GSTSG$2,980.32 -
(6x75cl) 2009Vinous (95)
Pale yellow. Intensely perfumed, mineral-accented aromas of fresh pear, quince, orange and white flowers, with a strong iodine quality gaining strength with air. Utterly stains the palate with pungent orchard fruit and citrus pith flavors braced by bright mineral and spice notes. Finishes with superb length and clarity, the mineral and floral notes echoing.Inc. GSTSG$7,819.07 -
(6x75cl) 2011Inc. GSTSG$6,670.15 -
(6x75cl) 2012Wine Advocate (92-95)
Richer and more textured, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is an even split of Grenache Blanc and Clairette. Offering up thrilling notes of citrus oil, flowers, marzipan and brioche, it stays remarkably poised and fresh on the palate, with building richness and length. It too is superb stuff that will keep for years, yet also dish out plenty of pleasure in its youth.Inc. GSTSG$6,663.67 -
(1x75cl) 1990Inc. GSTSG$1,852.89 -
(1x75cl) 2010Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.Inc. GSTSG$942.02 -
(6x75cl) 2010Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.Inc. GSTSG$7,657.73 -
(12x75cl) 2012Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. GSTSG$7,143.64 -
(6x75cl) 2012Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. GSTSG$4,092.30 -
(1x75cl) 1989Vinous (98)
We end on a high note with the sublime 1989 Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Powerful yet also super-finessed, the 1989 boasts extraordinary aromatics, seemingly endless fruit and striking inner sweetness. A real knock-out, the 1989 is hauntingly beautiful from the very first taste.Inc. GSTSG$5,585.42 -
(1x75cl) 1995Wine Advocate (96)
The 1995 is spectacular. When Emmanuel Reynaud said it was evolving quickly, in essence repudiating this vintage, I immediately drank two bottles of this glorious elixir. It does not reveal the over-ripeness of the 1990, bringing to mind a hypothetical blend of the great 1989 and 1978. Deeply-colored and still young, with black currant/creme de cassis-like characteristics, huge body, yet great structure and delineation, this is a classic Rayas that is totally different than the 1990. It should continue to improve in the bottle and may merit an even higher score. While it can be drunk now, it will be even better with 3-4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.Inc. GSTSG$2,468.02 -
(1x75cl) 1996Vinous (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.Inc. GSTSG$2,593.37 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-93)
Two component cuvées tasted.Cuvée #1 (20- to 30-year-old vines picked late): Medium red. Explosive aromas of raspberry liqueur, fresh cherry and smoke. Very rich, almost liqueur-like, with hints of leather and game. Impressively ripe and deep. Has sound acidity and a firm tannic underpinning.Cuvée #2 (from a higher percentage of older vines, picked earlier): Deeper red. Much less forthcoming on the nose. More intensely flavored and powerful, with excellent grip and structure for the year. Strong peppery quality in the mouth and on the aftertaste. Tannins are substantial but ripe. A robust sample. The combination of these two cuvées should produce a strong wine.Inc. GSTSG$1,993.87 -
(1x75cl) 1998Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (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.Inc. GSTSG$3,214.67 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$2,037.47 -
Inc. GSTSG$13,127.39 -
Inc. GSTSG$1,792.22 -
Inc. GSTSG$1,792.22
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(1x75cl) 2003Wine 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.Inc. GSTSG$1,819.47 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$2,075.62 -
(6x75cl) 2004Vinous (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.Inc. GSTSG$13,652.73 -
Decanter (98)
A stunning, fresh perfume of orange rind, bright mint and strawberry jam. Plump, round and silky in the mouth, the rich alcohol and glycerol is matched by perfectly balanced acidity. Ethereal, bright, long and with so much personality; a beautiful, classic Rayas, which was opened 24 hours in advance of tasting.Inc. GSTSG$1,721.37 -
(2x75cl) 2006Decanter (98)
A stunning, fresh perfume of orange rind, bright mint and strawberry jam. Plump, round and silky in the mouth, the rich alcohol and glycerol is matched by perfectly balanced acidity. Ethereal, bright, long and with so much personality; a beautiful, classic Rayas, which was opened 24 hours in advance of tasting.Inc. GSTSG$4,407.39 -
(6x75cl) 2006Decanter (98)
A stunning, fresh perfume of orange rind, bright mint and strawberry jam. Plump, round and silky in the mouth, the rich alcohol and glycerol is matched by perfectly balanced acidity. Ethereal, bright, long and with so much personality; a beautiful, classic Rayas, which was opened 24 hours in advance of tasting.Inc. GSTSG$13,494.68 -
Inc. GSTSG$2,005.49 -
(3x75cl) 2007Inc. GSTSG$6,267.17 -
(6x75cl) 2007Inc. GSTSG$12,240.05 -
(4x75cl) 2008Inc. GSTSG$6,476.74 -
Inc. GSTSG$15,669.23 -
(12x75cl) 2009Wine 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.Inc. GSTSG$25,744.49
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Vinous (98)
Having followed the 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve from barrel and tasted it several times in bottle, this tasting reaffirmed it as a hallmark Rayas, arguably the finest during the late Emmanuel Reynaud's stewardship of the domaine. The nose is quintessential Rayas: an exuberant burst of kirsch layered with stemmy nuances, dried rosemary, sage and a medley of dried red fruits. On the full-bodied palate it shows energy and concentration in a seamless frame of silky tannins, which are remarkably refined within the context of a vintage otherwise marked by edgier textures. The finale is long, spicy and superbly poised with effortless balance. Slowly entering its prime drinking window, the 2005 Rayas promises at least two more decades of pleasure. This bottle was opened six hours in advance without decanting.In BondSG$2,725.00 -
(6x75cl) 2009
Vinous (95)
Pale yellow. Intensely perfumed, mineral-accented aromas of fresh pear, quince, orange and white flowers, with a strong iodine quality gaining strength with air. Utterly stains the palate with pungent orchard fruit and citrus pith flavors braced by bright mineral and spice notes. Finishes with superb length and clarity, the mineral and floral notes echoing.In BondSG$7,120.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011In BondSG$6,060.00
-
(6x75cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (92-95)
Richer and more textured, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is an even split of Grenache Blanc and Clairette. Offering up thrilling notes of citrus oil, flowers, marzipan and brioche, it stays remarkably poised and fresh on the palate, with building richness and length. It too is superb stuff that will keep for years, yet also dish out plenty of pleasure in its youth.In BondSG$6,060.00 -
(1x75cl) 1990In BondSG$1,690.00
-
(1x75cl) 2010
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.In BondSG$855.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and minerals. Extremely fresh on the palate, offering nervy redcurrant and raspberry flavors and a strong spicy underpinning. A zesty note of blood orange comes up with air and adds a tangy edge to the long, precise, floral-accented finish. A very sexy wine that's surprisingly approachable now, especially compared to its big brother.In BondSG$6,970.00 -
(12x75cl) 2012
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.In BondSG$6,435.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Light ruby-hued and revealing a brilliant perfume of sweet kirsch, orange zest, Provençal garrigue, sappy rose petals, and exotic flowers, the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pignan is every bit as good as the Cuvée Réserve, if not even better. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, seamless, and expansive mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's a touch denser than the classic cuvée but maybe not quite as seamless, and it's just an absolute joy to drink today. This beautiful wine has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035.In BondSG$3,695.00 -
(1x75cl) 1989
Vinous (98)
We end on a high note with the sublime 1989 Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Powerful yet also super-finessed, the 1989 boasts extraordinary aromatics, seemingly endless fruit and striking inner sweetness. A real knock-out, the 1989 is hauntingly beautiful from the very first taste.In BondSG$5,115.00 -
(1x75cl) 1995
Wine Advocate (96)
The 1995 is spectacular. When Emmanuel Reynaud said it was evolving quickly, in essence repudiating this vintage, I immediately drank two bottles of this glorious elixir. It does not reveal the over-ripeness of the 1990, bringing to mind a hypothetical blend of the great 1989 and 1978. Deeply-colored and still young, with black currant/creme de cassis-like characteristics, huge body, yet great structure and delineation, this is a classic Rayas that is totally different than the 1990. It should continue to improve in the bottle and may merit an even higher score. While it can be drunk now, it will be even better with 3-4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.In BondSG$2,255.00 -
(1x75cl) 1996
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.In BondSG$2,370.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-93)
Two component cuvées tasted.Cuvée #1 (20- to 30-year-old vines picked late): Medium red. Explosive aromas of raspberry liqueur, fresh cherry and smoke. Very rich, almost liqueur-like, with hints of leather and game. Impressively ripe and deep. Has sound acidity and a firm tannic underpinning.Cuvée #2 (from a higher percentage of older vines, picked earlier): Deeper red. Much less forthcoming on the nose. More intensely flavored and powerful, with excellent grip and structure for the year. Strong peppery quality in the mouth and on the aftertaste. Tannins are substantial but ripe. A robust sample. The combination of these two cuvées should produce a strong wine.In BondSG$1,820.00 -
(1x75cl) 1998
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (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.In BondSG$2,940.00 -
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.In BondSG$1,860.00 -
In BondSG$12,025.00
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In BondSG$1,635.00
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In BondSG$1,635.00
-
(1x75cl) 2003
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.In BondSG$1,660.00 -
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.In BondSG$1,895.00 -
(6x75cl) 2004
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.In BondSG$12,470.00 -
Decanter (98)
A stunning, fresh perfume of orange rind, bright mint and strawberry jam. Plump, round and silky in the mouth, the rich alcohol and glycerol is matched by perfectly balanced acidity. Ethereal, bright, long and with so much personality; a beautiful, classic Rayas, which was opened 24 hours in advance of tasting.In BondSG$1,570.00 -
(2x75cl) 2006
Decanter (98)
A stunning, fresh perfume of orange rind, bright mint and strawberry jam. Plump, round and silky in the mouth, the rich alcohol and glycerol is matched by perfectly balanced acidity. Ethereal, bright, long and with so much personality; a beautiful, classic Rayas, which was opened 24 hours in advance of tasting.In BondSG$4,025.00 -
(6x75cl) 2006
Decanter (98)
A stunning, fresh perfume of orange rind, bright mint and strawberry jam. Plump, round and silky in the mouth, the rich alcohol and glycerol is matched by perfectly balanced acidity. Ethereal, bright, long and with so much personality; a beautiful, classic Rayas, which was opened 24 hours in advance of tasting.In BondSG$12,325.00 -
In BondSG$1,830.00
-
(3x75cl) 2007In BondSG$5,720.00
-
(6x75cl) 2007In BondSG$11,170.00
-
(4x75cl) 2008In BondSG$5,905.00
-
In BondSG$14,320.00
-
(12x75cl) 2009
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.In BondSG$23,500.00
