2006 Château Rayas Pignan Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

Second Châteauneuf from Ch Rayas already showing a broad array of aromas: liquorice, animal/gamey notes and rose petals. Transparent, but also rich and sweet. Wonderful freshness. (JR)

Light red. Smells like a head shop, with captivating aromas of red berries, cherry, gingerbread, incense and dried flowers. Suave, palate-caressing raspberry and kirsch flavors gain weight and sweetness with air. Lush red and dark berry flavors cling endlessly on the long, sappy finish. Offers a compelling blend of richness and finesse.

The medium deep ruby-hued 2006 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape reveals classic kirsch liqueur, lavender, and licorice scents. It is medium-bodied, silky, soft, and delicious. After going through a transitional period after Jacques Reynaud died in 1997, it is safe to say that his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, has returned this venerable estate to its previous level of high quality. While Chateauneuf du Pape is a warm appellation, Rayas is situated in a cool micro-climate, and is undoubtedly not an easy property to maintain. It is also known for its sandy soils, which are in total contrast to the rock-strewn plateau a half mile to the east, west, and south. Two utterly profound Rayas Chateauneuf du Papes have been produced recently, the 2005 and 2007. 2007 is a superb vintage at Chateau Rayas Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400