Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Rayas Emmanuel Reynaud 1998
14%
0.75L
Intensity
Château Rayas is proud of being different: refined and delicate, while its neighbours are more about distinct woodiness and high alcohol levels. A real legend.
More infoLot presentation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Rayas Emmanuel Reynaud 1998
The wine
A peculiarity of this Châteauneuf du Pape is its blend, which contains an overwhelming proportion of the Grenache grape – about 98%. Favouring low yields (barely 18 hectolitres per hectare), the winemaker seeks to let an exceptional terroir speak for itself: the sandy soil does not contain the famous pudding stones so typical of the appellation (Louis Reynaud is thought to have removed them by hand!). Fermentation takes place in concrete vats, and élevage (20 months) is conducted in old oak barrels. Château Rayas hits the heights of creaminess in great vintage years. Extraordinary aromas of cherry and raspberry characterise this wine, whose refinement and power is unmatched anywhere in the appellation. Also note that a second wine of irreproachable quality – Château Pignan – is produced.
About the Producer Château Rayas
Château Rayas is one of the great names of French wine. Many connoisseurs believe it to be the best in the appellation. The domain was established relatively recently (the vineyards were planted in the early 1920s) by Louis Reynaud who quickly distinguished himself from the typical practices of Châteauneuf du Pape. In this traditionally sun-baked region, one section of the vineyard faces north and the vines here benefit from the refreshing qualities of the pine trees that grow around the property. Louis Reynaud also focused primarily on just one grape variety, Grenache, even though 13 are permitted within the appellation. His son Jacques, who was seen as unconventional, if not eccentric, took over the business and achieved new heights of quality with the wines through traditional techniques. Today, Château Rayas is managed by his nephew Emanuel Reynaud.
Detailed characteristics
Quantity: 1 bottle
Level: 1 NormalObservations: 1 Marginally marked label, 1 Marginally stained labelOrigin: private individual
Type of cellar: underground, natural cellar
Recoverable VAT: no
Original wooden case / Original case: no
French customs seal: yes
Alcohol percentage: 14 %
Region: Rhone Valley
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Owner: Emmanuel Reynaud
Vintage: 1998
Colour: red
Service temperature: 16°
Size (in ha): 8 hectares
Volume: 24000 bottles
Intensity: smooth
Leading aroma: black fruit
Tasting occasion: food-friendly wine