1978 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
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Tasting notes
Quite a pale ruby. Edgy with quite a bit of acidity and some rather rhubarb notes. This bottle seemed on the way down and seemed to be losing its fruit. (JR)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A wine that once hit the magical three-digit score, it is now in decline. The 1978 started off life slowly, gathered steam, blossomed at age 8-10, and continued to add weight and richness until 1999-2000, when it began a slight decline. Although it is still a spectacular wine, it is no longer perfect. Importers: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173 and Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
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.