2015 Chateauneuf du Pape le Grand Pin

I loved the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Grand Pin and this flagship cuvée (100% Grenache) comes all from the northern part of the Pignan lieu-dit and spent 24 months in demi-muids. It offers a crazily perfumed bouquet of strawberries, pine resin, white pepper and green herbs that continues to change in the glass. This gives way to a full-bodied, seamless 2015 that has impeccable balance, terrific mid-palate depth, and polished tannin. If I had to pick one wine that comes closest in style to Rayas, this would be it. Chapelle Saint Theodoric is the estate of well-known importer Peter Weygandt and the wines come from two lieux-dits; Pignan and Guigasse. Made by Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine de Cristia, the wines are not destemmed and brought up all in older barrels. If there’s a Rayas look-alike out there, this is it.

(raised in neutral demi-muids ) Brilliant ruby. Explosive red berry liqueur and spicecake aromas are complicated by suggestions of smoky minerals, incense and floral pastilles; a subtle hint of licorice emerges with air. Juicy and deeply concentrated yet lithe, offering sweet black raspberry, cherry cola and floral pastille flavors and a refreshing jolt of peppery spices. The strikingly long, focused finish features resonating florality and supple tannins that fold effortlessly into the clinging, sappy fruit.