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More wines available from Chateau Rayas
Pre-Arrival
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf Du Pape Rouge 2004
750ml - 1 Bottle
Bottle:
$1646.08
Easily one of the top 2004s I've had, the 2004 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve is stacked with stunning...
Pre-Arrival
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf Du Pape Rouge 2011
750ml - 1 Bottle
Bottle:
$1354.74
Bright ruby-red. An exotic bouquet presents black raspberry, incense, Asian spices and blood orange. On the palate,...
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Winery
Chateau Rayas
Vintage: 2011
The year 2011 was an interesting year for many northern and central European countries, as the weather was more than unpredictable in the spring and summer. However, in most countries, the climatic conditions thankfully settled down in the late summer and fall. The result of this slightly difficult year of weather in France was a set of surprisingly small yields, but overall, these yields were of a higher quality than those harvested in certain previous years. A fantastic set of wines was also made in Italy and Spain, and the Rioja wines - when released - are set to be very good indeed. Austria also had superb year in 2011, with almost fifty percent more grapes being grown and used for their distinctive Gruner Veltliner wines than in the year before. Possibly the European country which had the finest 2011, though, was Portugal, with wineries in the Douro region claiming this year to be one of the best in decades for the production of Port wine, and the bright, young Vinho Verdes wines.
In the New World, the Pacific Northwest saw some of the best weather of 2011, and Washington State and Oregon reportedly had a highly successful year, especially for the cultivation of high quality red wine grapes. Chile and Argentina had a relatively cool year, which certainly helped retain the character of many of their key grape varietals, and should make for some exciting drinking. South Africa had especially good weather for their white wine grape varietals, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and many South African wineries are reporting 2011 as one of their best years in recent memory.
Varietal: White Rhone Blend
The careful blending of Viognier, Rousanne, Marsanne or Grenache Blanc grape varietals has typified the wine making practices of France's Rhone region for centuries, and has secured their reputation as one of the finest regions in the world for excellent blended white wines. Most commonly, the blended wines of this region hold delicate and aromatic flavors, reminiscent of honeysuckle, peach, pear and green apple, and are adored by winemakers and drinkers alike. Whilst Viognier, Rousanne and Marsanne varietal grapes are all renowned for their fruity characteristics and floral aroma, it is the transparent and acidic Grenache Blanc which lends the wines their backbone and helps build up the structure of the blended wines. Such expertise and knowledge of how these grapes can compliment each other is the secret to the Rhone's success, and has been emulated and imitated in several countries around the world.
Region: Rhone Valley
There are few wine regions in the world with a history as long and illustrious as that of the Rhone Valley in France. For over two thousand years, wines have been produced in this region, benefited by the excellent, mineral-rich soils of the region, and the varied climate which allows a wide range of grape varietals to grow. The Rhone Valley is now split into two quite separate regions, with the north part being characterized by its cooler, continental climate and the limited number of grape varietals grown, and the southern sub-region being perfect for growing a wide range of grapes, and producing an exciting number of different wine styles. The Rhone Valley is associated with elegant, flavorful wines, and certain grape varietals such as Viognier and Syrah, which are adept at expressing the finer features of their terroir.
Country: France
It is widely understood and accepted that the finest wines in the world come out of France. Whether you are drinking a vintage bottle from one of the famed Grand Cru wineries of Bordeaux - such as Chateau Margaux or Chateau Lafite-Rothschild - or a more simple and affordable bottle from one of the lesser known appellations in Burgundy, the likelihood is that the wine is packed full of intense and interesting flavors, and has a fine, balanced structure typical of almost all French produce. This reputation for excellence is taken extremely serious by the French, with dozens of regularly updated laws and regulations ensuring the quality and accurate labeling of wines. Such dedication and passion for fine wine, representative of the region in which it is produced, means customers can be assured that when they buy a bottle from France, they are buying something almost certain to please and delight.