Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 31/10/2009 As I indicated last year, this estate’s sleeper selection is their 2007 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape, a 100% Grenache from sandy soils. This offering, aged totally in old foudres and demi-muids, includes some of the declassified Rayas lots, and the 2007 is the finest Pignan since the 1990. A medium ruby color is followed by explosive aromas of sweet kirsch, lavender, licorice, and earth. The wine hits the palate with a blast of fruit and glycerin, full body, and an ethereal lightness and elegance that are remarkable for a wine of such intense fruit. A great effort, it may merit an even higher score after a few years in the bottle. Enjoy it over the next 12-15 years. 2007 may be Emmanuel Reynaud’s greatest vintage since he took over the management of this estate when his uncle, Jacques Reynaud, died in 1997. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

Bright red. Captivating bouquet of raspberry, anise and garrigue Deep, sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors are complicated by licorice and lavender pastille, with fine-grained tannins adding grip. The licorice note repeats on the strikingly pure and long finish.

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2007 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape’s chocolate, black raspberry, and cherry characteristics compete with notions of licorice and lavender. Possessing excellent fruit intensity, full-bodied power, and remarkable opulence, this 100% Grenache cuvee may be the finest Pignan made since the 1990. After going through a transitional period after Jacques Reynaud died in 1997, it is safe to say that his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, has returned this venerable estate to its previous level of high quality. While Chateauneuf du Pape is a warm appellation, Rayas is situated in a cool micro-climate, and is undoubtedly not an easy property to maintain. It is also known for its sandy soils, which are in total contrast to the rock-strewn plateau a half mile to the east, west, and south. Two utterly profound Rayas Chateauneuf du Papes have been produced recently, the 2005 and 2007. 2007 is a superb vintage at Chateau Rayas Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400