Chateau Rayas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve, Rhône, France, 2004

Bottle is in great condition - cork, foil, label, fill.

Overview of the Wine
A small ten-hectare vineyard, in the heart of the woods, planted in very poor, sandy soil producing wines with great finesse. In the heart of the southern Rhône Valley appellation vineyards, Emmanuel Reynaud offers up his Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée wines featuring Châteauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône Village.

Both red and white, these wines are the fruit of the vineyards of a number of different domains: Château Rayas, Château Fonsalette and Château des Tours signed the Reynaud family, wine-growers from one generation to the next since 1880.

Today these wines are matured in the cellars of two estates Château Rayas and Château des Tours. 

Winemaker
Emmanuel Reynaud 

Grape / Blend
Grenache

Origin
Rhône, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Experience the elegance of the 2004 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve, a legendary wine that captures the essence of the Southern Rhone. This sophisticated red offers a mesmerizing bouquet of ripe cherry, plum, and earthy undertones, complemented by hints of licorice and spice. The palate reveals a velvety texture with balanced acidity and a long, graceful finish. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of refined winemaking.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Easily one of the top 2004s I've had, the 2004 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve is stacked with stunning aromatics of kirsch, framboise, licorice, garrigue and big crushed stones and mineral notes. This leads into a blockbuster, full bodied palate that is has sweet, decadent fruit, a texture that expands in the mouth and a gorgeous, long finish. Drinking surprisingly well.

94 Points - Int'l Wine Cellar
Stunning floral and red berry aromas emphasize raspberry, strawberry and fresh lavender. Bright, focused and pure, with vibrant red fruit and mineral flavors given an exotic twist by a hint of dried apricot. The sweet finish leaves a strong floral pastille impression. The freshness and precision of this wine are really captivating. (JR)

93 Points - Wine Spectator
Supple, with very elegant structure guiding the raspberry and cassis fruit, cinnamon, mineral and black tea notes through the lengthy, stylish finish. Very pure, with a great silky mouthfeel, this gains depth as it airs in the glass. (JM)

92 Points - Wine Advocate
The deep ruby 2004 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is a structured wine that seems to have closed down from the component part tasting last year. It is medium-bodied with sweet, ripe black cherry and raspberry notes, some crushed rocks, and that distinctive minerality that Rayas seems to provide. The wine reveals more structure this year, and therefore seems to need 2-4 years of bottle age and should keep for 15-16. Stylistically, it is more than just a coincidence that it resembles the 1994, which has turned out very well and is beginning to drink beautifully in the classic Rayas style. (RP)

 Product size: 750ml