1997 Chateau Fonsalette Cuvée Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah exhibits an opaque black/purple color, and a sweet, blackberry and animal-scented nose. Although the wine is rich on the attack, it narrows out to reveal considerable tannin and a tough, rustic personality. If this wine fleshes out in the finish, it will merit a score in the upper eighties. If it doesn't, look for an impressive looking wine, but one that is angular and coarse in the mouth. Undoubtedly it will last 10-20 years. Importers: Martine's Wines, San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 485-1800 and Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1997 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah exhibits an opaque black/purple color, and a sweet, blackberry and animal-scented nose. Although the wine is rich on the attack, it narrows out to reveal considerable tannin and a tough, rustic personality. If this wine fleshes out in the finish, it will merit a score in the upper eighties. If it doesn't, look for an impressive looking wine, but one that is angular and coarse in the mouth. Undoubtedly it will last 10-20 years. Wine Advocate.February, 1999
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.