Lot 293
CHÂTEAU RAYAS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RÉSERVE 1990 (1) WA (99-100)
Lot 293 Details
CHÂTEAU RAYAS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RÉSERVE 1990
Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
u. 2 cm. crooked label
As for the 1990, I have had the good fortune to drink nearly three cases, and it has been one of the triumphs of my cellar. A mere 1-2 years ago, I enjoyed a succession of perfect “100 point” bottles, but the last several bottles have merited 96-100 points, perhaps revealing the direction of this wine’s evolution. Nevertheless, this is riveting stuff. A legendary Rayas made from extremely ripe Grenache, it exhibits notes of over-ripe kirsch, raspberries, cherries, game, licorice, and tobacco. This unctuously-textured, thick, juicy Chateauneuf must tip the scale at 15.5% alcohol. It is truly a Rhone Valley monument. December 2002 WA (99-100)