2006 Cotes du Rhone
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Cinsault, the 2006 Château des Tours Côtes du Rhône Reserve is outstanding - the silky, textured Rayas profile is obvious. Sporting a translucent, light red color, this has perfumed aromatics of kirsch, sweet garrigue, minerals, grilled meats and subtle floral notes. While I really like the nose, the palate carries the wine and it’s beautifully textured with sweet fruit, a viscous, full feel and a long, persistent finish. This bottle took about an hour to open up and after tasting through a number of wines, I promptly poured a glass of this before retiring to the couch. It’s a winner that should drink beautifully over the next 5 to 8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
From the Vacqueyras property of Emmanuel Raynaud of Ch Rayas. 100% Grenache Blanc . Extremely full and rich and hedonistic. Honey character but vibrant too and not completely overwhelmed by the Rayas Blanc served immediately afterwards. Opulent floral and varnish notes. (JR)
The delicious, light ruby-hued, medium-bodied, lush, heady 2006 Vin de Pays exhibits loads of framboise and cherry fruit with hints of roasted herbs and spice in the background. Chateau des Tours is Emmanuel Reynaud’s (the nephew of the late Jacques Reynaud as well as the winemaker at Chateau Rayas and Fonsalette since 1997) home estate. His wines are always complex, aromatic efforts that never possess much color, but offer plush, full-bodied textures as well as plenty of personality. All of these cuvees are fairly-priced, especially the Vin de Pays and Cotes du Rhone. Both the 2006 and 2005 Vin de Pays are blends of 70% Grenache and the rest Counoise and Cinsault. There are 2,000 cases of the top cuvee, the Rayas-like Vacqueyras, a 100% Grenache cuvee made from fruit grown in pure sandy soils. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
About the producer
Domaine des Tours is a separate label to Ch. des Tours, however both ranges are made at the same Vacqueyras property. Part of the Rayas galaxy and made by Emmanuel Reynaud, the wines are a source of great value and offer a glimpse of the Rayas style.
Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Grenache/ Garnacha , Cinsault
Red
Dry