About this wine:
The three component parts of the 2007 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape were rated between (92-95) and (95-99), so I suspect it will merit a score in the upper nineties after bottling. It possesses a moderately deep ruby color (Rayas is never one of the darker-colored Chateauneuf du Papes) as well as a fabulously sweet nose of black cherry liqueur, black raspberries, licorice, and spice. The purity, exoticism, supple, silky tannins, and layered, full-bodied mouthfeel suggest this will be a great Rayas, much in the style of the 1985 or 1981. This stunner should drink effortlessly for 25-30 years.
About the Winery:
A small ten-hectare vineyard, in the heart of the woods, planted in very poor, sandy soil producing wines with great finesse. The grape varieties there are:
Grenache for red wine
Grenache and Clairette for white
Ratings & Reviews
97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:"I had previously written that I thought the 2005 was the greatest Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape made after 1995, but I think the 2007 may eclipse it. Perhaps it is a stylistic thing as the 2005 is a sturdier, more masculine style, and the 2007 is an opulent, voluptuous wine that is more reminiscent of the 1990, while the 2005 is similar to the 1995. The 2007 possesses a dark ruby color, silky tannins, sweet fruit, and enormous quantities of kirsch, licorice, black raspberries, and incense notes. Even though I tasted it shortly after bottling, it was exceptionally dense and pure. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032+." - Robert Parker (Oct 2009)
97 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:"Bright ruby. Red berry, cherry and Asian spice aromas are lifted by sexy notes of rose petal and blood orange. Impressively pure and perfumed, with remarkable precision and cut to its concentrated but lively flavors of cherry and black raspberry. The weightless, mineral-driven character of this wine is something else. In a distinctly delicate, feminine style, with superb finishing cut and energy. This will probably cost a fortune when it lands in the U.S. , unfortunately." - Josh Raynolds (Jan/Feb '10)
93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:A very elegant, perfumy style, with shiso leaf and mulled spice notes up front, followed by silky black cherry, linzer torte and kirsch flavors that glide through the incense-tinged finish. There's good latent depth and fresh acidity without the headiness typical of the vintage. Best from 2012 through 2022. 250 cases imported. –JM
