Chateau Rayas "Pignan" Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2010 (Southern Rhone, France) - [VM 94] [WA 90-93]

Chateau Rayas "Pignan" Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2010
(Southern Rhone, France) - [VM 94] [WA 90-93]


$999.99 $859.99 Save $140.00
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VM94 WA90
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About the Winery:

Chateau Rayas, one of the region's most prestigious estates, is also one of the world's most mysterious estates. 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. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncrasies as his uncle.

Located not far from Courthézon, it is unusual because its vines are north-facing and contain none of the fabled round pebbles (galets roulés). During vinification, each varietal of every vineyard is fermented separately in oak casks, with assemblage taking place in enamel-lined tanks before bottling.

About this wine:
Pignan is Chateau Rayas' second wine; both are 100% Grenache from 30 year old vines. Rayas produces 1,100 cases of its flagship each year, while the Pignan sees only around 650 cases yearly.


Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"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." – Josh Raynolds (Jan 2013)

90-93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2010 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape (100% Grenache from 30 year old vines) is the lightest of the 2010s. The color is a medium translucent ruby and the nose exhibits delicious notes of garrigue, lavender, sweet kirsch, strawberries and loamy soil. I could have drunk this delicious effort directly from the demi-muids in which it was aging." – Robert Parker (Oct 2011)