Cotes du Rhone Chateau de Fonsalette Rayas 2001

`Château de Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône 2001 is a mature, full-bodied red wine produced in the southern Rhône region of France. Château de Fonsalette was founded by the great Rhône vigneron Louis Reynaud in 1945 and currently is run by his Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the winemaker at Château Rayas and Château de la Tour. The wines of Château de Fonsalette, along with those of Château de la Tour, are considered by many people to be the best examples of Côtes du Rhône available. "The 2001 vintage was of course very successful in the southern Rhône and this was luscious and spicy but the tannins were completely resolved and the fruity impact was in retreat. Nothing heavy or grating. At €187, it was certainly not given away but the wine is quite a rarity and was a great treat." Jancis Robinson MW, 2013