1 dozen bottles
Details
CHATEAU RAYAS 1978
Off an unmarked road, an undeveloped gravel track and a tiny sign reveal a simple "chai" and the buildings of Château Rayas - one of the most celebrated vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape. Here, for over 100 years, the Reynaud family have produced wines from their tiny parcels of this hallowed ground.
Whether "extraordinary", "eccentric" or "controversial", there is no doubt that the Reynaud family has always done things their own way. The fragmented vineyards, the limited temperature control in the winery and the chaotic mixture of fermentation vessels brings to mind the complete opposite of modern winemaking and viticultural techniques - but that is disregard the exceptional belief in quality. A predominance of old vines, the tiniest of yields, a green harvest to ensure colour in the Grenache berries and only harvesting at the time of absolute maturity all go in to this fabled wine.
Some of what goes on at Rayas has remained a mystery; and it is perhaps the taste of the wines which should live on. We are honoured to be able to present a unique opportunity to acquire quantities of this estate's most legendary and increasingly rare vintage.
Michael Broadbent, M.W. describes the 1978 vintage as "the greatest since 1911" and awards it five stars.
Robert Parker in his wines of the Rhóne Valley gives a perfect score and makes the following comments. "...The 1978 has providied me with some of the most decadent nectar of my life. It is one of the most precious wines in my collection and I would not trade it for anything less than 1961 Château Latour ©a Pomerol!..."
1978 Château Rayas is one of those wines that has acquired "must have" status for the most avid collectors, NYWinesChristie's presents over four full dozens of this great wine all removed from this stunning, private cellar where they have lain since original purchase.
Richard Brierley
Châteauneuf-du-Pape--Vintage 1978
Rhône. Château Rayas J. Reynaud
Lot 180 levels: five 2cm and three 3cm; dampstained labels and one torn label. Lot bbb-eee levels: 2cm; dampstained labels.
Parcel: lots 181-184
1 dozen bottles
Off an unmarked road, an undeveloped gravel track and a tiny sign reveal a simple "chai" and the buildings of Château Rayas - one of the most celebrated vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape. Here, for over 100 years, the Reynaud family have produced wines from their tiny parcels of this hallowed ground.
Whether "extraordinary", "eccentric" or "controversial", there is no doubt that the Reynaud family has always done things their own way. The fragmented vineyards, the limited temperature control in the winery and the chaotic mixture of fermentation vessels brings to mind the complete opposite of modern winemaking and viticultural techniques - but that is disregard the exceptional belief in quality. A predominance of old vines, the tiniest of yields, a green harvest to ensure colour in the Grenache berries and only harvesting at the time of absolute maturity all go in to this fabled wine.
Some of what goes on at Rayas has remained a mystery; and it is perhaps the taste of the wines which should live on. We are honoured to be able to present a unique opportunity to acquire quantities of this estate's most legendary and increasingly rare vintage.
Michael Broadbent, M.W. describes the 1978 vintage as "the greatest since 1911" and awards it five stars.
Robert Parker in his wines of the Rhóne Valley gives a perfect score and makes the following comments. "...The 1978 has providied me with some of the most decadent nectar of my life. It is one of the most precious wines in my collection and I would not trade it for anything less than 1961 Château Latour ©a Pomerol!..."
1978 Château Rayas is one of those wines that has acquired "must have" status for the most avid collectors, NYWinesChristie's presents over four full dozens of this great wine all removed from this stunning, private cellar where they have lain since original purchase.
Richard Brierley
Châteauneuf-du-Pape--Vintage 1978
Rhône. Château Rayas J. Reynaud
Lot 180 levels: five 2cm and three 3cm; dampstained labels and one torn label. Lot bbb-eee levels: 2cm; dampstained labels.
Parcel: lots 181-184
1 dozen bottles
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