Chateau Rayas Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge 2008

The Château Rayas features among the very greatest of French wines. Many connoisseurs consider it to be the best AOC wine. This estate was founded relatively recently by Louis Reynaud (the vines were planted in the early 1920s), who set himself apart from traditional customs practiced in Châteauneuf du Pape. In a region traditionally blessed with the balmy rays of the sun in the summer, he positioned most of his vineyard to the north, and mainly focused on a single grape variety (Grenache) in a appellation where thirteen are permitted. His son Jacques is portrayed as an unusual character - eccentric, even. He took up the relay, carrying the wines to dizzying new heights and levels of quality while employing traditional techniques. Today, the estate is run by his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud.

One peculiarity of this Châteauneuf du Pape is that a staggering proportion is comprised of Grenache: 98% of the blend, approximately. The wine-maker prioritises low yields (no more than 18 hectolitres per hectare) in order to allow the exceptional land to express itself: the sandy soil here is not home to the characteristic bed of pebbles that the area is known for, because Louis Reynaud removed them by hand! Fermentation is carried out in concrete vats and the wine is aged for an average of 20 months in old oak barrels. In good years, Château Rayas reaches incredible levels of voluptuous smoothness. This wine is characterised by extraordinary aromas of cherry and raspberry, resulting in a finesse and power that has no equivalent in the appellation. A second wine, Château Pignan is also made here, and is of flawless quality.