Chateauneuf du Pape Pignan Rayas 2007

Château Rayas is one of the great French wine names of the modern era. Established by Albert Reynaud in 1880, Château Rayas rose to legendary status under the stewardship of the elusive yet engaging figure of Jacques Reynaud, who took over the management of the estate in 1978. His son, Emmanuel, has been in charge since 1997 and the Rayas star continues to rise. The Pignan cuvée - named after the towering pine trees with border the domaine - is the second wine of the domaine.. As with the flagship Château Rayas cuvée, it is made from 100% Grenache. "This estate`s sleeper selection is their 2007 Pignan Châteauneuf du Pape, a 100% Grenache from sandy soils. This offering, aged totally in old foudres and demi-muids, includes some of the declassified Rayas lots, and the 2007 is the finest Pignan since the 1990. A medium ruby colour is followed by explosive aromas of sweet kirsch, lavender, liquorice, and earth. The wine hits the palate with a blast of fruit and glycerin, full body, and an ethereal lightness and elegance that are remarkable for a wine of such intense fruit. A great effort, it may merit an even higher score after a few years in the bottle. Enjoy it over the next 12-15 years." Robert Parker, 2009