Bodega Cuatro Rayas
Henri Bonneau
Réserve des Célestins Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2004
From the great Henri Bonneau, along with Château Rayas, the master of CDP. (He and Jacques Reynaud were actually dear friends). It’s insanely expressive and its ultra intense aromatics leap from the glass.
The complex bouquet is layered with rich black and red fruit, leather saddle, wilted violets and savory herbs. It just floats on the palate with its supreme elegance, caressing texture and weightless intensity. So Burgundian in that sense. The finish is so long, lifted and intense, leaving you craving another sip when its flavors finally do dissipate. 04 Célestins is a total knockout. — 5 years ago
Jérôme Prévost
La Closerie Fac-simile Extra Brut Pinot Meunier Rosé Champagne
One of my favourites bubbles, roses, quinine (I always remember Rayas with this one), fresh, medium body and fast bubbles — 9 years ago
E. Reynaud
La Pialade de Rayas Côtes du Rhône Red Rhône Blend 2014
One of the most memorable wines ever. First thing I noticed was the color, very pale garnet. Spice and wet dirt on the nose, very little fruit. The palate was amazing: rusted iron and sandalwood. Each sip was more and more compelling. A wine that you want to drink slowly and to savor. Only 1 bottle, unfortunately. — 5 years ago
Chateau de Fonsalette
Réservé Côtes du Rhône Syrah 1985
A brilliant aged Syrah more reminiscent of Cote Rotie than anything else. It keeps getting more youthful and complex with air. Fantastic. — 7 years ago
Château de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 1986
From 375. Huge amount of sediment that most of the usual dark pigmentation of the wine is gone ... looks like Rayas. The barnyard funk is there but blows off in a few minutes. Very good depth with spice and hints of garrique and fruit. Wow 30 year old half bottle! — 9 years ago
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2016
One glass and I did not open the whole bottle. Still I am not disappointed. So far one of the best Chateauneuf-du-pape I had except for Rayas. I am wondering how it wilm evolve. Sor far we have dark fruits, a bit of spices and quite à long finish. I am also surprised that such a wine is pretty much unknown. — 4 years ago
Château Rayas
Reserve Château de Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône Red Rhone Blend 1995
Papa su cumple — 5 years ago
Cuatro Vacas Gordas
Mendoza Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Ligero y de sabores suaves. Muy agradable. — 9 years ago
Chateau de Fonsalette
Réservé Côtes du Rhône Red Rhône Blend 2007
The rayas fingerprint is very strong, but so is the vintage. The fruit is definitely sweeter and riper than in other vintages, but still fresh and very well made wine. — 9 years ago
Bob McDonald
We first tried a bottle of Celestins in a restaurant in Gigondas some years ago, and for me it was a WOW Wine. Had this latest bottle on Sunday with Roast Pork. Medicinal to begin with which blew off. Barnyard aromas - horse manure. In hindsight this could’ve been Brett but the overall impression and tasting was impressive and memorable. Glad I have 3 left. Showing a medium to full bodied palate. This is textbook CdP in the old school genre. The tannins are silky and sexy - a liquorice note together with saddle leather. Henri Bonneau passed away in 2016 and the wine making is now carried out by his son, Marcel. A visit to his archaic cellars was keenly sought after and rarely granted. Mould all over the walls, rickety stairs light bulbs dangling from the ceiling and a floor which stuck to the soles of your shoes was how one visitor described his experience in the cellar. Nevertheless this is a CdP up there with Rayas and the top Cuvée from Beaucastel. The blend is usually 90% Grenache with the balance made up of around 4 or 5 different varieties. — 3 years ago