2004 Chateau Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Château Rayas Côtes du Rhône Blanc Château de Fonsalette Reserve is a serious, stunning Rhône white that is firing on all cylinders at that the moment. The nose is deep and rich with stone fruits, wax, honeycomb and white flowers aromatics. It’s full and rich (as opposed to bright and mineral driven) and in the mouth, the wine displays a full body, lush, rich texture and a long finish. This actually showed the best on the first evening and lost a little vibrancy on the following days. Just the same, it’s a beautiful Rhône white that will stand up to some hearty fare at the dinner table.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone white is another attractive wine that is made largely from white Grenache, Clairette, and a bit of Marsanne. The wine has hints of mint, white pepper, and some honeyed citrus. It is medium-bodied, refreshing, but pretty substantial in the mouth. It should drink nicely for 5-6 years. The 2005s at this renowned estate, both the Cotes du Rhones from the Fonselette estate and the Chateauneuf du Papes, are cool-climate style wines with some austerity but admirable delicacy and lightness. I didn’t think they were among the vintage’s strongest efforts, but they are certainly very much in keeping with the style of past Jacques Reynaud wines. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
The 2004 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone white is another attractive wine that is made largely from white Grenache, Clairette, and a bit of Marsanne. The wine has hints of mint, white pepper, and some honeyed citrus. It is medium-bodied, refreshing, but pretty substantial in the mouth. It should drink nicely for 5-6 years. Feb 2007, www.robertparker.com
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.
Product details
Grenache Blanc / Garnacha Blanca, Clairette, Marsanne
White
Dry