2007 Fonsalette Rouge
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I have followed the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhones since the mid-1960s, and it is a candidate for one of the finest and longest-lived Cotes du Rhones in nearly every top vintage. Emmanuel Reynaud has made a wonderful 2007 that displays terrific Provencal character with large quantities of kirsch, lavender, licorice, roasted herbs and some pepper and meatiness. It is medium to full-bodied, relatively evolved for a Fonsalette, but don’t let that confuse you, because this wine will age for 10-15 years at the very minimum. The current releases of Fonsalette include the 2007 and 2008 Cotes du Rhone, as the 2009s will not be released until next year, and the 2010s the year after. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Bright red. Black raspberry and floral aromas are complemented by Asian spices, anise and white pepper. Racy, finely etched red berry and cherry flavors stain the palate and become deeper and sweeter with air. Shows no rough edges and finishes with superb focus and sweet, sappy persistence. This puts most Chateauneufs in the shade.
We tasted two different ingredients in what will be the final blend. That which contained about 35% Cinsault had extraordinary freshness and excitement on the nose – which seemed miraculous in view of the state of the ancient foudres. It was still very tight and chewy on the palate but taste almost electric with pent-up energy. The second lot was made up of about 50% Grenache, he said, and 15% Syrah, and was very sweet, round and transparent with great spiciness and, again, enormous richness. (JR)
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.