Charles (Chad) Bucklin

Owner and founder of C. T. Bucklin Wine Advising

9.9

My first #chateaurayas and now I understand the hype. Very Burgundian in style but this is just a unique wine deserving its own category. This wine had profound complexity and was perfectly balanced. It is so young. #chateauneufdupape #southernrhone #rhonevalley #grenache #ctbucklinwine — 10 years ago

David Singer

Sommelier/Wine Educator LibationEducation

8.9

Who knew B.Gros could age? Oak has integrated, cranberry,
Forest floor, cola, sandalwood, Alc is almost unbalanced, fine grain tannin. Solid complexity/finish — 12 years ago

Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

9.8

So much life here, energy and freshness to spare. Lovely mature fruits, woodsy complexity over a velour texture. — 12 years ago

Rebecca Fletcher

9.8

Mint, chocolate, and black fruit. Has a peppermint patty characteristic. M acid, m silky round tannin, m+ body, finish and complexity. Iconic and incredible. — 11 years ago

Lewis Chester

9.4

2004 vintage. Lunch with Gerard Basset at Hotel TerraVina. 1 hour decant. Dark ruby hue. Wonderful nose of leather, sweet spices, roasted meats, mulberry and blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice. Although developing still very fresh and youthful despite the obvious complexity of aromas. On the palette, the tannins hit you hard - grippy; high acidity that starts off quite searing but with air becomes rounder and attractive. Medium plus body and full concentration. Long finish. Gerard loved it and so did I! — 11 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.4

Really wonderful classic Rioja. Opens after 1 hour. Superb depth and complexity. — 12 years ago

Stacey Bressler

9.4

Lovely complexity.
— 11 years ago

Ryan Bonnici

9.3

Delicate and rich with meaty nuttiness. A superfine bead, there is plenty of toast, dried fruit and hazelnut complexity. Magnificent! — 11 years ago

Matté

Manager The Wine Cellars

9.6

1988 out of mag - initial funk cleared pretty quickly to reveal a layered complexity, ash, earth and graphite along with dark berry fruit. Great acidity in the mouth but get the feeling that this is on or just past it's peak. A great wine that lived up to its name. — 12 years ago

Mark Gunning

9.2

Classic Musar complexity on the nose. Not as tannic as the 2005 and a bit more approachable than the last vintage. Lots of black fruits. Still lots of ageing potential. — 12 years ago