Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Rayas 2006

Château Rayas undoubtedly sits amongst the greatest producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape but is often also considered of equal stature to First Growth Bordeaux or Grand Cru Burgundy such is the quality of the wine produced by the Reynaud family from their 12 hectares of vines. Rayas Blanc is a roughly even parts blend of Grenache Blanc and Clairette of which only a few hundred cases are produced each vintage. The 2006 release exhibits wonderfully rich yet refined notes of stone fruits, citrus oil, white flower blossom, honey and bergamot. It is incredibly pure and unwaveringly elegant on the palate, with a finish of quite remarkable length and texture.