2003 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah is one of the best made in many years. The wine, which was funky and weird when I tasted it from barrel last year, has cleaned up its act, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color to the rim and a beautifully sweet nose of melted licorice, blackberries, and raspberries with some pepper and scents of roasted meat. The wine has huge tannins, is massive and full-bodied, and largely undrinkable for a good 4-5 years. It should behave like some of the finest vintages of the past and age for two decades. One of the sleeper selections when everything goes right is Pignan, which is the 100% Grenache cuvee that is essentially the second wine of Rayas. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
Critic scores
Robert Parker
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.