2010 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve knocks it out of the park with rosewater, kirsch, garrigue, tobacco, white pepper, melted licorice and a flicker of ivy. On the full-bodied palate, rich flavor concentration is masterfully balanced by vibrant freshness, resulting in a sensation of complete harmony. What’s so striking about this Rayas is how it lays bare all its strength without flexing a single muscle. The detailed, finesse-driven finish lingers for over two minutes, confirming the 2010 as one of the finest vintages ever produced here. This particular bottle was opened four hours in advance, without decanting. For those eager to experience this unique Rayas ahead of my suggested drinking window, I strongly recommend this approach, as decanting may cause it to close down. For readers disciplined enough to wait a few more years, the magic starts in 2030.
Critic scores
Average Score
Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Elegance meshed with power, purity, and complexity says it all. This stunner, and it is stunning offers a complex array of roses, kirsch, licorice, cherries, raspberries, and kirsch in the perfume. And the palate is even better with its endless layers of vibrant, opulent, deep, red fruits, spice, and pepper herbs that do not want to quit. While you can enjoy this today, give it some more time as this will age for decades. Drink from 2028-2050.
Showing more finesse and elegance than the Pignan, yet still with plenty of density and concentration, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is a sensational effort from this estate that has a kaleidoscope-like array of framboise, darker cherries, sappy flowers, garrigue, and spice. Opening up beautifully with time in the glass as well, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, silky tannins, and a great finish. Reminding me slightly of the 1990, it is heavenly today and will be heavenly in another 15+ years as well.
Vivid ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet displays red and dark berry preserves, potpourri, licorice and smoky minerals. Broad and fleshy, offering deeply concentrated black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a strong note of floral pastilles. Chewy tannins give grip to a powerful, alluringly sweet, endless finish. Shows as much density as I can recall from a young Rayas and is clearly built for the long haul.
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.