Reviews & Scores
Rayas’ 1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was sublime. Fresher than the 1998, this beautifully proportioned wine revealed layers of sweet dark fruit, spices and earthiness that danced on the palate with extraordinary finesse.
VM95August 2007
Stunning aromas and flavors of plum compote, hoisin sauce, vanilla bean, raspberry jam and violets, with a long, supersilky finish. The fruit is still youthful, the structure still vibrant, the balance impeccable. --1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape retrospective.
WS98March 2006
The 1995 is spectacular. When Emmanuel Reynaud said it was evolving quickly, in essence repudiating this vintage, I immediately drank two bottles of this glorious elixir. It does not reveal the over-ripeness of the 1990, bringing to mind a hypothetical blend of the great 1989 and 1978. Deeply-colored and still young, with black currant/creme de cassis-like characteristics, huge body, yet great structure and delineation, this is a classic Rayas that is totally different than the 1990. It should continue to improve in the bottle and may merit an even higher score.
WA96January 2003
"Decadent, ripe, saucy black cherry liqueur aromas, as well as high alcohol presence...sweet plum liqueur as well...huge length - great tight, stony, minerally fruit...excellent breed, yet so young and tight now."
JK97