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Châteauneuf du Pape 1995 75cl

AOC | Châteauneuf du Pape | Rhône | France
CHF 2’583.60
Critics scores
99 Robert Parker
I have had the 1995 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape four times since it was bottled, and can state unequivocally that it is the quintessential Rayas. The wine is extraordinarily concentrated, with an unbelievable concentration of ripe black raspberry, cherry, and kirsch flavors that are not dissimilar from a great vintage (i.e., 1947, 1950, 1982) of the famed Pomerol, Chateau Lafleur. It possesses an old vine intensity, multiple layers of richness, and admirable structure, as well as surprisingly fine acidity. This is a phenomenally compelling, but backward Rayas that is more concentrated than the 1990, and, yes, as ageworthy as the surreal 1978. Owners should resist drinking it for another 4-5 years; it will last for 20-30 years. This is among the most awesome young wines I have tasted this year.
Producer
Château Rayas
A Rhône legend, Château Rayas signifies the greatest production in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As the sole, standout producer in the Southern Rhône, the château predates their oldest vines, with a history dating back to the 1880s. Originally founded by Albert Reynaud, his son Louis led the property to be one of the first in the region to bottle and sell their own wine. The estate has since remained in the family, and today, it is run by fourth and fifth generation father and son duo, Emmanuel and Louis Damien. The Reynaud family also owns, Château des Tours and Château Fonsalette. The property is made up of 23 hectares of land, with 12 hectares of vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape; 10 of which are devoted to red wine production and the remaining to white wine. Their terroir and climate is quite unique to the region, with very fine, sandy soils and a cooler microclimate when compared to its neighbors’ vineyards scattered with rocks baking in the sun. It is here, that the secret to their legendary wines are found, the combination of great terroir and years of expertise passed down from generation to generation. Going from strength-to-strength with each new vintage, Château Rayas’ collection is one of the most collectible on the market. The main wine of Château Rayas is a traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape which is made from 100% Grenache and showcases ripe and opulent fruit, with a limited production of around 1,100 cases per year. Their second wine, Pignan is produced from almost 100% old vine Grenache with a super-limited production of 650 cases per vintage. The estate also produces a white wine, made of equal proportions of Grenache Blanc and Clairette.