2001 Chateau Fonsalette Cuvée Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 100% Syrah offering, which was introduced by the late Jacques Reynaud in 1978, the 2001 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah is an inky/purple-colored effort displaying a provocative perfume of beef blood, composty/autumnal leaves, blackberries, and cassis. Firm and tannic as well as heady and full-bodied, it possesses the structure and grip of a Bordeaux Medoc, and boasts serious concentration. At present, it is quite austere, and in need of considerable aging. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Like most Chateauneuf du Pape domaines, I did not see anything while tasting through the 2002 reds that would suggest they could be recommended in this publication. Importers: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173 and Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, deep ruby-red. Pure aromas of syrupy black fruits, game, smoke and spice. Large-scaled, dense and silky, with sound acids giving the somewhat peppery flavor noteworthy verve. This has wonderful aromatic lift for a syrah from the South. Finishes very long and peppery. An excellent showing today.
About the producer
Ch. Rayas is a cult name in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines – pure, silken expressions of Grenache with distinctive perfume – are revered for their singularity and fiercely collected. Made by Emmanuel Reynaud and renowned for their ageability, they have become some of the region's most sought-after.