1989 Chateau Fonsalette Cuvée Syrah
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Tasting notes
A little gassy like the 1990 with a rather odd smell that reminded me of Bovril meat extract. A little bit odd and past its best. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1989 Cuvee Syrah is similar to the 1990, exhibiting exceptional intensity, a black/ruby/purple color, a huge perfume of black-raspberries, and a whoppingly long, moderately tannic finish. Typically, it is extracted, large-scaled, and capable of lasting for another 20+ years. Impressive! Imported by Martine's Wines, San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 485-1800, Wines of France, Alain Junguenet, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173, and Ideal Wines, Medford, MA; tel. (617) 395-3300
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.