95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
Vintage | Wine 1990 |
Region | Rhône |
Appellation | Châteauneuf du Pape |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Country | France |
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 DE BEAUCASTEL Hommage à Jacques Perrin 1990
Châteauneuf du Pape
CHÂTEAU LEOVILLE LAS CASES 1990
Saint Julien
Cornas
Saint Estèphe
JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE Cuvée Cathelin 1990
Hermitage Rouge
Pauillac
CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE 1990
Pauillac
Margaux
Sauternes
(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.
(01-2001) Rich, spicy; soft, full, fleshy, with fairly swingeing tannic finish.