Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 Rayas

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (96)

Showing the more structured, savory and austere side of the vintage, the 2005 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape will be 20-30 year wine. Offering up lots of darker fruits, gunpowder, ground pepper, truffles and licorice, it has full-bodied richness, a beautiful texture and no shortage of tannin or acid, both of which make themselves known on the finish. This is a wine to hide in the cellar for at least another 4-5 years, and it will still be going strong in 2030+. I don't see this matching the 1995 or 2007, but it's not far off.

Winespectator (94)

Really pure, tangy and superracy, with fresh, bright minerality rippling through the red cherry, red currant, fresh garrigue, shiso leaf and licorice notes. The long, finely tuned finish lingers on and on, with very fine acidity carrying it all.

BOW (8.50)