1997 Château Rayas Pignan Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
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The 1997 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape, made from 100% Grenache, reveals a deceptively unimpressive medium ruby color, but intense, sweet, raspberry and cherry fruit mixed with kirsch liqueur. Spicy, with pepper, roasted peanut, and fine ripeness, it will drink well early, and last for 7-10 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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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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The 1997 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape, made from 100% Grenache, reveals a deceptively unimpressive medium ruby color, but intense, sweet, raspberry and cherry fruit mixed with kirsch liqueur. Spicy, with pepper, roasted peanut, and fine ripeness, it will drink well early, and last for 7-10 years. Importers: Martine's Wines, San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 485-1800 and Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173 Feb 1999, www.robertparker.com
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.