Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Pignan Reserve Chateau Rayas 2005

Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Pignan Reserve Chateau Rayas

Pignan represents 20% of Rayas’ red wine production, and is made from separate vineyards, primarily. Beautifully smooth, elegant liqueur-like red fruits on the nose. Sweetly aromatic. The palate has a lovely green sappy edge. It’s really elegant and lively with nice acidity. Fresh with some tannins.

Château Rayas is one of the great names of French wine. Many connoisseurs believe it to be the best in the appellation. The domain was established relatively recently (the vineyards were planted in the early 1920s) by Louis Reynaud who quickly distinguished himself from the typical practices of Châteauneuf du Pape. In this traditionally sun-baked region, one section of the vineyard faces north and the vines here benefit from the refreshing qualities of the pine trees that grow around the property. Louis Reynaud also focused primarily on just one grape variety, Grenache, even though 13 are permitted within the appellation. His son Jacques, who was seen as unconventional, if not eccentric, took over the business and achieved new heights of quality with the wines through traditional techniques. Today, Château Rayas is managed by his nephew Emanuel Reynaud.