Wine Advisor
Rayas, Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve 1988
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1988 is an enormously satisfying Rayas that will be admired by those seeking a more civilized and restrained effort. Rich and full-bodied, with noticeable structure, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a gorgeous bouquet of black fruits, pepper, earth, and spice. Full-bodied yet seemingly made from a cooler year, this stylish, rich, concentrated Rayas is just beginning to drink well. It should age effortlessly for another 15+ years.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Tasted beside the 1989 and 1990, the 1988 Rayas appears polite and civilized. However, this is no shy wine. By itself, it is an enormously constituted, juicy example of Rayas, thus the sometimes misleading nature of vertical tastings. The wine's color is a healthy dark ruby. The nose is less open than in either the 1989 or 1990, but it reveals the essence of black-cherry fruit in that kinky, undeniably Rayas style. Full-bodied and rich, with more tannin and structure than even the 1989, this large-scaled Rayas will always take a back seat to the flamboyant 1989 and legendary 1990. Nevertheless, it is an extremely worthy, high quality Chateauneuf du Pape that will evolve beautifully and eventually outdistance some of the fully mature top vintages of Rayas such as 1985, 1983, and 1981. 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
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Tasted beside the 1989 and 1990, the 1988 Rayas appears polite and civilized. However, this is no shy wine. By itself, it is an enormously constituted, juicy example of Rayas, thus the sometimes misleading nature of vertical tastings. The wine's color is a healthy dark ruby. The nose is less open than in either the 1989 or 1990, but it reveals the essence of black-cherry fruit in that kinky, undeniably Rayas style. Full-bodied and rich, with more tannin and structure than even the 1989, this large-scaled Rayas will always take a backseat to the flamboyant 1989 and legendary 1990. Nevertheless, it is an extremely worthy, high-quality Chateauneuf du Pape that will evolve beautifully and eventually outdistance some of the fully mature top vintages of Rayas such as 1985, 1983, and 1981. Last tasted 12/95.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The Chateau Rayas 1988 has a very funky, rather bretty nose at first with mushroom, black truffle, a hint of wild mint coming through, complemented by more garrigues aromas with time. It takes time to settle: too bucolic at first but far more engaging after an hour in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with that fresh minty tang on the entry, very fine tannins considering how rustic the aromatics began but coalescing and finding its rhythm with aeration. Warm alcohol cloaks the finish: engaging and multi-dimensional. Whilst Bonneau’s Celestins ’99 (served alongside) showed more refinement, this was just getting better and better in the glass. Drink now-2020. Tasted June 2010.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A gorgeous effort, the 1988 has come on strong lately. While neither as flamboyant as the 1990 nor as extracted as the 1989, it is a gorgeously elegant example that would be interesting to insert in a top grand cru red Burgundy tasting. Flowery, sweet black cherries and raspberries, along with resiny, loamy soil aromas jump from the glass of this dark ruby-colored Chateauneuf. Full-bodied, rich, and just reaching its plateau of maturity, it will last for another 5-10 years. Importers: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173 and Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
About the Producer
Back in 1880, General Albert Reynaud bought Chateau Rayas in the Rhone Valley. It is now run by Emmanuel Reynaud. The Reynaud family has owned the estate for over 120 years. For four generations, the Reynaud family has worked hard to transform the estate from a small, unknown winery to a leading Rhone Valley winery. When Château Rayas was first purchased by Albert Reynaud, it had a small, unassuming vineyard on sandy, north-facing soils that were not well insulated or sunlit. Today the estate has 25 hectares of vineyards and the vines are on average 35 years old. The success of the estate is due to the persistence and innovation of its owners. Originally, the tradition in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region was to make wine from a mix of grape varieties, but Mr Albert Renaud took a different approach and abandoned the tradition of using a mix of grapes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape to make wine from local Grenache grapes and a small amount of Syrah. The result is a top-notch Chateauneuf-du-Pape red wine (Chateau Rayas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape) that overcomes all its shortcomings. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is matured in old barrels for 2-3 years before being released to the market and is produced in very low yields, at a price that is the best in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. It is highly regarded by the public: the 1996 vintage was awarded 98 points by the Wine Spectator in 2006, the highest score in the appellation that year. The 2005 and 2003 vintages were also rated 98 and 95 points respectively by Parker. Château Rayas sells its wines under the name "Château Rayas", but also under the names "Château de Fonsalette" and "Pignan". Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape. The wines of Chateauneuf du Pape are comparable to those of Château de Fonsalette. The red wines of Château de Rothschild are smooth and elegant, while the white wines are fresh and have a long lasting aroma. The red wines of Château Fonsalie are full-bodied and ripe, while the white wines have aromas of nectarine and apricot. In the Renault family, which is aimed at the top end of the market, the Pinot is the second wine of Château Rijas and has a similar style to the main Rijas, with a medium body, attractive black cherry and fig flavours and a sweet taste.
