Jay Kline

9.6

Opened prior to dinner; enjoyed over the course of several hours. This bottle of the 2010 pours a light ruby color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with a gorgeous mix of mostly red and some dark fruits, red flowers, exotic spices, licorice, meat and garrigue. On the palate the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. While not quite making the same impression that my previous experience with the 2010 Rayas had made, this is still a magnificent, singular wine. Drink now through 2050. — 7 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.7

Tommy roadtrip — 2 months ago

Douglas Braun

9.1

2022-Vintage - yellow gold , a lot of other than fruit character minerality ( Stoney character) spiced apple , good intensity. Med plus acidity ,12.5% ABV good concentration — 7 months ago

Ericsson

9.6

One of the greats. At Petit Comptoir, Reims FR. — 10 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.6

Laura miriam — 24 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner at Le Mazenay. The 2019 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe mixed brambles, some dried red and purple flowers, a touch of VA, some black pepper, some anise and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. A fantastic pairing with partridge. Already showing very well in its youth. Drink now through 2034+. — 4 months ago

Daniel H.

9.2

Apples and citrus on the nose. Crisp and acidic palate with a long smooth finish with more notes of apple. It makes a wonderful cold glass on a hot summer day. For $7.99 at Costco, this is a bulk buy. — 2 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.6

This was hitting on all cylinders! Perfect btl & everyones favorite amongst a stellar lineup — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.6

I’ve said before that the wines of Chateau Rayas are almost singular in the AOC; certainly one of the purest expressions of Grenache in the world. However, there is another producer that for me, might be an even more archetypal expression of the character of Chateauneuf-du-Pape: Henri Bonneau. Henri’s wines were also predominately Grenache however, they are denser and darker, particularly the Cuvée Marie Beurrier. This is probably more to do with the small addition of other local varieties along with terroir for Mrie Beurrier (Courthézon). Henri had strong feelings about varieties, vine age and cellar practices. He didn’t really like Syrah in CdP (though he had a little of it). He didn’t like ancient vines (most were 30-50 years old and would be torn out and replanted if they were getting up there in the age range) and he believed in extended aging in wood, a collection of very old barrels and foudres. Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with his approach, the results were undeniably special.

Opened prior to dinner; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2000 “Cuvée Marie Beurrier” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!). Layered notes of dark brambles, black cherry, garrigue, dried red flowers, beef stew with all the veggies and mixed inorganic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is forever long. This is tremendously well balanced and a wine that I just wanted to keep coming back to…and I did. Drink now through 2040. — 3 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

Really great value in a straightforward, honest, balanced Grenache. It’s grown within the Faugeres appellation but can’t claim the AOC apparently because it’s from deep sandy soils and not schist. No matter! Rayas grows Grenache in sand so there’s great precedent! Nose shows sappy kirsch-y fruit, lots of savory, mineral notes, and a touch of vanilla and spice. Soft and light-footed in the mouth. Quite dry, savory, and saline. Very soft tannin. Alcohol is relatively low at a stated 13.5. Drinking well now, it will certainly last a year or two longer, though I don’t think it will improve. I love wines like this. So food flexible. — 2 years ago