1988 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
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Tasting notes
As stunning as the previous bottle, this gem popped with its complex aromatic profile, easily displaying its flowers, spice, citrus, herbs, cherries, and black raspberries. The wine remains fresh, almost zesty with a peppery edge to the herb, and kirsch-packed finish. This is a beauty! Drink from 2024-2032.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 1988 Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape (magnum) was stratospheric. Dark, intense and powerful, the wine totally conquered the palate and intellect with superb length and fabulous overall balance. The volatile acidity was on the edge, but this was otherwise an eternal Châteauneuf-du-Pape destined for a long, long life.
The 1988 Châteauneuf-du-Pape presented a more linear, compact personality in its ethereal smoke, licorice and dark fruit flavors.
A gorgeous effort, the 1988 has come on strong lately. While neither as flamboyant as the 1990 nor as extracted as the 1989, it is a gorgeously elegant example that would be interesting to insert in a top grand cru red Burgundy tasting. Flowery, sweet black cherries and raspberries, along with resiny, loamy soil aromas jump from the glass of this dark ruby-colored Chateauneuf. Full-bodied, rich, and just reaching its plateau of maturity, it will last for another 5-10 years. Importers: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173 and Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
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.