Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Rayas--Vintage 1990
Rhône, Domaine-bottled: Reynaud
Five slightly bin-soiled labels, two slightly damaged. Levels: eleven 2cms and one 3cms below base of corks
Tasting note: Rich, spicy; soft, full, fleshy, with fairly swingeing tannic finish. Last tasted May 2001 ****(*) M.B.
As for the 1990, I have had the good fortune to drink nearly three cases, and it has been one of the triumphs of my cellar. A mere 1-2 years ago, I enjoyed a succession of perfect 100 point bottles, but the last several bottles have merited 96-100 points, perhaps revealing the direction of this wines evolution. Nevertheless, this is riveting stuff. A legendary Rayas made from extremely ripe Grenache, it exhibits notes of over-ripe kirsch, raspberries, cherries, game, liquorice, and tobacco. This unctuously-textured, thick, juicy Châteauneuf must tip the scale at 15.5 alcohol. It is truly a Rhône Valley monument. Owners, however, should consume it over the next 8-10 years, eRobertParker.com # E2003 Jan 2003
12 bottles per lot