Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2012

Château Rayas is a leading producer in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Rhône Valley. It is one of the region's most prestigious estates, and its wines fetch some of the highest prices in southern France; and are continuing to rise rapidly.

Review

The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape looks spectacular! Nicely concentrated and textured, with a lively, focused feel, it possesses piercing black cherry, kirsch, pine oil, white pepper and hints of gaminess to go with medium to full-bodied richness, fine tannin and bright acidity. While there’s good overall heft and depth here, finesse and elegance are the name of the game, and I suspect it will be relatively accessible in its youth. Most likely needing little introduction, these singular efforts are made by Emmanuel Reynaud from his tiny plot of pure sandy soils located near the centre of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Surrounded on all sides by forest (which is unique) and a cool terroir, harvest here goes very late and these wines never lack for power or richness." - 97pts, Wine Advocate