2009 Château des Tours Côtes du Rhône Reserve
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A gorgeous effort that has fabulous aromatics and textural richness, the 2009 Cotes du Rhone dishes out the classic kirsch liqueur, ground pepper, forest floor, lavender and spice-box aromas that always seem present in Emmanuel’s wines. Full-bodied, silky and seamless, with a voluptuous yet incredibly pure profile, it is an up-front, seductive effort that should continue to shine through 2019. Drink now-2019. The home estate of Emmanuel Reynaud (of Rayas), Chateau des Tours produces beautiful, fresh and elegant efforts that often bear more than a passing resemblance to the more prestigious (and expensive) wines of Rayas. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Sweet and polished and pretty nectar-like. A bargain hint of Rayas? Very pure, sweet, just-not-jammy Grenache. Lots of fun. And no animal flavours at all. Very sweet; very transparent. GV (JR)
(65% grenache, 20% syrah and 15% cinsault): Deep red. A powerful, deeply scented bouquet evokes red and dark berries, star anise, cinnamon and pungent flowers. Packs a serious punch but there's no excess fat here; the intense raspberry and blackberry flavors show excellent clarity and a hint of candied lavender. Finishes bright and precise, with the raspberry and floral notes carrying through. This wine transcends its category and will appeal greatly to those who prize balance over brute force.
A sleeper of the vintage, the 2009 Vin de Pays, a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and the rest Counoise, Syrah and Mourvedre, exhibits a deep ruby color, full body and delicious floral, red berry, dusty, peppery notes. This luscious red is ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years. This is the home estate of Emmanuel Reynaud, who has been producing the wines of Rayas since 1997. A relatively large estate of nearly 100 acres, Domaine des Tours fashions some remarkable value priced reds and whites. 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.