95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
A small ten-hectare vineyard, in the heart of the woods, planted in very poor, sandy soil producing wines with great finesse. The grape varieties there are: Grenache for red wine Grenache
Vintage | Wine 1990 |
Region | Rhône |
Appellation | Châteauneuf du Pape |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Country | France |
Château | Château Rayas |
Country | France |
Rayas is a french estate located in the south of the Rhône region. Purchased in 1980 by Albert Reynaud, four generations of winegrowers have succeeded in bringing this small family estate of 10 hectares up the ranks and produce great wines. The estate produces its wines under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
Today the Rayas estate is managed and directed by Emmanuel Reynaud, great-grandson of Albert Reynaud. He also operates the Domaine des Tours and Fonsalette bought by his father Jacques Reynaud several years ago. Under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the estate cultivates Grenache grapes for red wines as well as for white wines with Clairette.
CHÂTEAU BAHANS HAUT BRION 1990
Pessac Leognan
Côte Rotie
Saint Estèphe
Saint Estèphe
Saint Emilion
Saint Emilion
HENRI BONNEAU Réserve des Celestins 1990
Châteauneuf du Pape
Pauillac
Santenay
(01-2003) 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.
(11-2015) This is a perfect Rayas with so much elegance and depth that on the nose it is like Burgundy but the palate is clearly southern Rhone. The wine is exuberant with layers of sweet spices, cinnamon and cloves being one of a dozen, combined with dried berries and thyme, dried bay leaf and roasted rosemary. The sweetness along with firm acidity and light tannins creates a backbone on this wine that will see it through many decades. A phenomenal wine.
(10-2010) Mature ruby with a pale rim. Sweet and rich and vibrant. Heady and medicinal in a thoroughly good way. Great freshness. Jewels and spice. Bravo! Still lots of life!
(01-2001) Rich, spicy; soft, full, fleshy, with fairly swingeing tannic finish.
(02-2020) An incredible tasting experience. The wealth of sweet, ripe, silky, refined cherries and kirsch is almost beyond belief. Not quite as concentrated or fresh as it was just a few years ago, this stunner offers a uniqueness of character not found in other wines. The purity in the fruit is spell-binding. There is length, complexity and sensuality that grabs you and keeps your interest from start to finish. This is not a wine to hold for further development. While the decline will be slow, it's best to catch this at, or close to its peak and not on the way down.