1986 Chateau Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône Rouge
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Tasting notes
Much like the 1986 Rayas, the 1986 Fonsalette exhibited far more fat, appeal, and quality when it was young than it does at present. The baby fat has melted away to reveal a vegetal, hollow, austere style of wine that is past its peak. It is losing its fruit and should be drunk up. Imported by Martine's Wines, San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 485-1800, Wines of France, Alain Junguenet, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173, and Ideal Wines, Medford, MA; tel. (617) 395-3300
Critic scores
Robert Parker
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.