1990 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc
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I thought the 1990 Fonsalette-Blanc to be more impressive than the 1990 Rayas-Blanc, a more backward wine that proved to be astonishing when drunk at a restaurant near Orange. Reynaud suggested that the 1991 Rayas-Blanc needs 10-15 years just to reach full maturity! When I last had it, the wine revealed a huge nose of honey and pears, expansive, unctuous flavors, gorgeous extraction of fruit, and a long, alcoholic finish. It should drink well for 15-20 years. Importers: Martine's Wines, San Rafael, CA and Robert Chadderdon Imports, New York, NY.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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The 1990 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Rayas was utterly breathtaking. Still remarkably fresh, it showed marvelous complexity in a mid-weight style. Licorice, ash and honey added the final layers of nuance on the rich, multi-dimensional finish.
I thought the 1990 Fonsalette-Blanc to be more impressive than the 1990 Rayas-Blanc, a more backward wine that proved to be astonishing when drunk at a restaurant near Orange. Reynaud suggested that the 1991 Rayas-Blanc needs 10-15 years just to reach full maturity! When I last had it, the wine revealed a huge nose of honey and pears, expansive, unctuous flavors, gorgeous extraction of fruit, and a long, alcoholic finish. It should drink well for 15-20 years. Importers: Martine's Wines, San Rafael, CA and Robert Chadderdon Imports, New York, NY.
About the producer
Ch. Rayas is a cult name in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines – pure, silken expressions of Grenache with distinctive perfume – are revered for their singularity and fiercely collected. Made by Emmanuel Reynaud and renowned for their ageability, they have become some of the region's most sought-after.