Chateauneuf du Pape Rayas 2001

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 is made from 100% Grenache from low yielding vines and is aged in a combination of seasoned demi-muids and foudres of various sizes for an average of 16 months prior to bottling. From the cooler 2001 vintage, this is a wonderfully vibrant release that still retains ample structure and freshness whilst offering up notes of sweet red fruits, white pepper, wild herbs and earth.