95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
Vintage | 1990 |
Rating | 95-100 |
Region | Rhône |
Appellation | Châteauneuf du Pape |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Price | More than 300 € |
Château | Rayas |
Country | France |
Pauillac
Pauillac
Margaux
Margaux
Pessac Leognan
Corton Charlemagne
Pauillac
Pauillac
Margaux
CHÂTEAU GRAND BARRAIL LAMARZELLE FIGEAC 1990
Saint Emilion
Rich, spicy; soft, full, fleshy, with fairly swingeing tannic finish.
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.