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1995 Rayas CDP
99 RP
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Review
I have had the 1995 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape four times since it was bottled, and can state unequivocally that it is the quintessential Rayas. The wine is extraordinarily concentrated, with an unbelievable concentration of ripe black raspberry, cherry, and kirsch flavors that are not dissimilar from a great vintage (i.e., 1947, 1950, 1982) of the famed Pomerol, Chateau Lafleur. It possesses an old vine intensity, multiple layers of richness, and admirable structure, as well as surprisingly fine acidity. This is a phenomenally compelling, but backward Rayas that is more concentrated than the 1990, and, yes, as ageworthy as the surreal 1978. Owners should resist drinking it for another 4-5 years; it will last for 20-30 years. This is among the most awesome young wines I have tasted this year. Robert Parker
Robert Parker | 99 RP
Critic Reviews
I have had the 1995 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape four times since it was bottled, and can state unequivocally that it is the quintessential Rayas. The wine is extraordinarily concentrated, with an unbelievable concentration of ripe black raspberry, cherry, and kirsch flavors that are not dissimilar from a great vintage (i.e., 1947, 1950, 1982) of the famed Pomerol, Chateau Lafleur. It possesses an old vine intensity, multiple layers of richness, and admirable structure, as well as surprisingly fine acidity. This is a phenomenally compelling, but backward Rayas that is more concentrated than the 1990, and, yes, as ageworthy as the surreal 1978. Owners should resist drinking it for another 4-5 years; it will last for 20-30 years. This is among the most awesome young wines I have tasted this year.
Robert Parker | 99 RP
Just stunning, the 1995 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve belies the vintage characteristics with amazingly sweet, perfumed aromas of licorice infused raspberries, spice, incense and garrigue that come jumping out of the glass. Almost like candy in the mouth, the wine is medium to full bodied with perfect balance, a light, airy texture, sweet fruit and a great finish. A joy to drink and the seamlessness makes the glass hard to put down.
Jeb Dunnuck | 98 JD
Stunning aromas and flavors of plum compote, hoisin sauce, vanilla bean, raspberry jam and violets, with a long, supersilky finish. The fruit is still youthful, the structure still vibrant, the balance impeccable.--1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape retrospective. Drink now through 2025. 830 cases made.
Wine Spectator | 98 WS
Rayas’ 1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was sublime. Fresher than the 1998, this beautifully proportioned wine revealed layers of sweet dark fruit, spices and earthiness that danced on the palate with extraordinary finesse.
Vinous Media | 95 VM
(Châteauneuf du Pape- Château Rayas) The 1995 Châteauneuf du Pape from Château Rayas is an outstanding wine that is just about into its plateau of peak maturity, but could still do with at least a couple more years in the cellar to allow everything to fall precisely into place. The bouquet is a classic Rayas mélange of cherries, raspberries, coffee, ground pepper, garrigue, roasted venison and woodsmoke. On the palate the wine is ripe, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with moderate tannins, fine grip and a very long, blossoming and nascently complex finish. This still has a bit of chunky, muscle-bound adolescence to shake off and a few more years in the cellar should do this nicely, allowing the wine to snap into focus and start to show more of the inherent elegance of this great terroir. It is a ripe vintage for Rayas, but handles this very nicely indeed. (Drink between 2020-2050)
John Gilman | 94 JG
Robert Parker | 99 RP
Just stunning, the 1995 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve belies the vintage characteristics with amazingly sweet, perfumed aromas of licorice infused raspberries, spice, incense and garrigue that come jumping out of the glass. Almost like candy in the mouth, the wine is medium to full bodied with perfect balance, a light, airy texture, sweet fruit and a great finish. A joy to drink and the seamlessness makes the glass hard to put down.
Jeb Dunnuck | 98 JD
Stunning aromas and flavors of plum compote, hoisin sauce, vanilla bean, raspberry jam and violets, with a long, supersilky finish. The fruit is still youthful, the structure still vibrant, the balance impeccable.--1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape retrospective. Drink now through 2025. 830 cases made.
Wine Spectator | 98 WS
Rayas’ 1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was sublime. Fresher than the 1998, this beautifully proportioned wine revealed layers of sweet dark fruit, spices and earthiness that danced on the palate with extraordinary finesse.
Vinous Media | 95 VM
(Châteauneuf du Pape- Château Rayas) The 1995 Châteauneuf du Pape from Château Rayas is an outstanding wine that is just about into its plateau of peak maturity, but could still do with at least a couple more years in the cellar to allow everything to fall precisely into place. The bouquet is a classic Rayas mélange of cherries, raspberries, coffee, ground pepper, garrigue, roasted venison and woodsmoke. On the palate the wine is ripe, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with moderate tannins, fine grip and a very long, blossoming and nascently complex finish. This still has a bit of chunky, muscle-bound adolescence to shake off and a few more years in the cellar should do this nicely, allowing the wine to snap into focus and start to show more of the inherent elegance of this great terroir. It is a ripe vintage for Rayas, but handles this very nicely indeed. (Drink between 2020-2050)
John Gilman | 94 JG
Wine Details for 1995 Rayas CDP
| Type of Wine |
Chateauneuf du Pape
: You can expect Chateauneuf-du-Pape reds selection to wash over you with a combination of leather, game, tar, and delicious dried herbs, creating a spice mixture that commands respect from even the harshest non-believers. Chateauneuf-du-Pape whites are ever so refreshing and bold, frolicking in a field of floral notes and earthy minerals. |
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| Varietal |
Proprietary Blend
: Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend. |
| Country |
France
: Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive. |
| Region |
Rhone
: While the Northern Rhone produces only about 5% of all wine coming out of the Rhone Valley, the quality of these bottles is not to be underestimated. The terroir in this region is heavenly for growing Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne or Rousanne - the only permitted grapes in the AOC. Picture this - the Rhone flows through the valley like an azure thread piercing the landscape, a reflection of the dreamy skies hovering above the vineyards, ready to produce rainfall at a moment's notice. The rocky soil of the steep, almost surreal hillsides provides a bountiful feast for the grapevine roots. The flavors and texture of Northern Rhone wines tell you everything you need to know as soon as your lips touch the elixir, like a whisper in the vigorous valley winds As per the Southern Rhone wine, it is like taking a plunge into a whirlpool of juicy flavor. Every sip explodes forward like a crashing tsunami, bathing your tastebuds in delicious aromas of prune, chocolate, grass, and black fruit. The wines are so compelling that it can be hard to drink them casually at a social event without getting lost in their intricate textures and emotional depths. Let's set sail together, and drink deep from these luxurious bottles with our friends and loved ones. |
Overview
| Producer | Rayas |
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