Chateau Rayas
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Reserve
Chateau Rayas is the antithesis of modern-day winemaking. This tiny estate of 10 hectares uses no stainless steel fermenters, no temperature controls, no new oak, and no consulting oenologists. The wines of Chateau Rayas speak of their terroir like no other in the region. The incredibly dry and nutrient poor soils produce Grenache of unmatched finesse and sheer elegance.
1994, 750ml $145 (90 WA)
1995, 750ml $550 (96 WA)
1996, 750ml $225 (89 WA)
1997, 750ml $305 (89 WA)
1998, 750ml $275 (94 WA)
1999, 750ml $195 (92 WA)
2000, 750ml $325 (93 WA)
2001, 750ml $270 (92 WA)
Chateau de Beaucastel
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Hommage a Jacques Perrin
Chateau de Beaucastel is regarded by many as top estate in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation and traces its roots deep into the history of the Southern Rhone. Within the entire region, Beaucastel is one of only three estates that plant all thirteen of the red varieties allowed in the AOC. Whereas most wineries rely heavily on Grenache, Beaucastel uses a high proportion of Mouvedre in the final blend. The Hommage a Jacques Perrin is a benchmark wine made in vintages with superior growing conditions…. A true collectors wine.
1995, 1.5L $775 (96 WA)
1999, 750ml $400 (96 WA)
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Chateau de Beaucastel is regarded by many as top estate in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation and traces its roots deep into the history of the Southern Rhone. Within the entire region, Beaucastel is one of only three estates that plant all thirteen of the red varieties allowed in the AOC. Whereas most wineries rely heavily on Grenache, Beaucastel uses a high proportion of Mouvedre in the final blend.
1995, 1.5L $260 (94WA)
1999, 1.5L $250 (91 WA)
1999, 750ml $125
2001, 1.5L $250 (96 WA)
2001, 750ml $125 (96 WA)
Domaine de Beaurenard
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee Boisrenard
Domaine de Beaurenard in Chateauneuf-du-Pape has been a family-run estate for seven
generations. The average age of the vines of small estate (less than 80 acres) pushes 45 years old. The grapes, dominated by Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Cinsault, are grown on hillside vineyards with southern exposure in clay and chalk rich soils. The wines of the estate have not gone unnoticed, garnering more than 300 medals over the years.
"A candidate for wine of the vintage is the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard. Subtle aromas of vanillin intermixed with blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, and espresso characteristics explode from the glass." (Robert Parker 2/03)
"There have been a number of spectacular vintages of Domaine de Beaurenard's luxury cuvee, Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard, but the 2001 may be the finest they have ever produced. The explosive bouquet is followed by an expansive, full-bodied, powerful wine with great purity, tremendous multilayered flavor intensity, and beautifully integrated wood, acidity, and tannin." (Robert Parker, 2/04)
2000, 750ml $125 (95 WA)
2001, 750ml $140 (97 WA)
Domaine Pierre Usseglio
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee de Mon Aieul
Mon Aiuel is made from old vine, low yielding Grenache (and some other bits!) from the top-quality producer Pierre Usseglio. With a little air, these are fabulous, old style Chateauneufs that just oozes class and quality. Mon Aieul sees no new wood at all - very much in the Rayas style. Sadly, as is the case with all these wines, quantities are always limited.
"1998: Creme de cassis intermixed with minerals and blueberries are reminiscent of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from the likes of Bryant Family Vineyard. Awesomely concentrated, extraordinarily pure, with moderately high tannin, fabulous length, and a youthful personality, it is undoubtedly the greatest wine Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio have ever produced." (Robert Parker, 12/01)
"One of the vintage's most profound wines, the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul has a dense purple color as well as a glorious nose of blackberries, licorice, smoke, and some roasted meats and dried herbs. Amazingly opulent, even voluptuous, with extraordinary purity, a huge tactile impression on the palate, but not heavy by any means, this is a stunning Chateauneuf du Pape from ancient vines." (Robert Parker, 2/06)
1999, 750ml $95 (91 WA)
2000, 750ml $125 (95 WA)
2001, 1.5L $250 (97 WA)
2001, 750ml $145 (97 WA)
2003, 750ml $110 (97 WA)