1998 Rayas - Chateauneuf du Pape (Reserve) Rhone Blend - France - Southern Rhone - Chateauneuf du Pape - Red

keep evolving in the glass throughout the nigt with hints of peper, red fruits, herbs, and sweet. medium finishing

Burgundian, as an adjective, can become quite tiresome to hear or even write about, but was apropos as ever for Emmanuel's 2nd vintage. Certainly not a blockbuster, but improved admirably in the glass, sporting feminine flavors of kirsch, clove, rose petals and sweet, silky red cherries that were underscored by the slightest tinge of bramble. Seduces like a sultry pinot and wines you over just a bit more w/ each subsequent sip. Very pretty indeed

Translucent red with some brown tinting which turns completely clear at the rim. Thick just barely pigmented legs. A mature bouquet (cleaner than past 98 Rayas I have tasted) of earth, raspberry, sweet asparagus, black pepper and cedar. Mouthfilling but the wine finishes very quickly. Fine acidity and light tannin. Almost Burgundian in style ? elegant and lilting. While very enjoyable, there is no denying that this wine should be better in the 1998 vintage. It lacks stuffing. 100% Grenache which was fermented completely on it stems before being aged in various sized old oak containers. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.