Château Rayas is a one of the great names of the Rhône Valley.  The domain is old school in terms of style and technology — no stainless steel, no temperature controls, no new oak, and no oenologists are to be found in the cellar, which contains a hodgepodge of barrels, demi-muids, and foudres. Today, Emmanuel Reynaud manages three domains, Château Rayas, Château des Tours and Château de Fonsalette.

The Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 15% Syrah. Dark ruby with a tinge of purple hue in color. Cherry and black currant on the nose with some licorice and tobacco. On the palate, cherry, strawberry with grilled herbs and flowers. A bit of earth with crushed rock — strong minerality underpinnings. Very solid and muscular — delineated structure with purity and focus. Silky tannins with quite a lingering finish. Quite a classic bottle of wine and expression of Rhône.

I think this showed better on the second day, and probably would have been better served sitting on this for another 5-7 years. This was an enjoyable and memorable bottle of wine — and the first wine I was able to enjoy on the back porch this year — all made for a very nice evening. 14% alcohol. Imported by Martine’s Wines Inc.