The 2010 Cote Rotie Ampodium is performing much better from bottle than it did last year. Fashioned from a dozen separate terroirs in Cote Rotie, it exhibits tell-tale notes of licorice, tapenade, black currants and black raspberries with a floral component in the background. Beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, rich and opulent, this superb Cote Rotie can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years. 204, The Wine Advocate, 27 Dec 2012, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Trois Sources comes from the estate’s vineyards planted in sandy soils. About 10,000 bottles have been produced. One of the great wines of the vintage, this unbelievable Chateauneuf is still extremely young and primary. Its opaque purple color is followed by scents of ink, acacia flowers, blueberries, black raspberries and blackberries. While full-bodied, extremely concentrated and massive, the wine is totally harmonious with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin and alcohol (which is no doubt in excess of 16%). Give this 2010 five more years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20-25 years. 203, The Wine Advocate, 31 Oct 2012, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Conservatively, the 2009 Ermitage l’Ermite (702 cases) needs 25-30 years of cellaring. Another monumental effort from Michel Chapoutier, it possesses copious notes of smoky asphalt, black truffles, pen ink, graphite and blackberry liqueur intermixed with hints of flowers and crushed rocks. Extremely full-bodied with abundant sweet tannins, amazing penetration on the palate and a long finish, this historic effort should age effortlessly for 50-100+ years. 198, The Wine Advocate, 23rd Dec 2011, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2009 is showing better out of bottle than it was last year. Gorgeous kirsch liqueur notes, raspberry jam, forest floor, spice box, new saddle leather and a peppery spiciness are all present in this deep, voluptuously textured, open-knit Clos des Papes, which is atypically forward, luscious and approachable already. These wines often need a good 5-10 years of cellaring in the more structured vintages, but the 2009 is gorgeous from the get-go. This full-bodied, deep, concentrated wine has a deep purple color and should drink well for 20-25 years without ever really closing down. Readers may want to think of this as a slightly more concentrated version of the 2003, which is one of the great stars of that vintage. Wine Advocate (197), Oct 2011, Robert Parker
The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is considered by many observers in Chateauneuf du Pape to be the wine of the vintage, and it can most certainly be counted among the finest. A blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre tipping the scales at 15.5% natural alcohol (which is slightly less than the Chaupin), the wine has an inky black/purple color as well as incredible density and richness, with notes of soy, blackberry, and blueberry liqueur, incense, acacia flowers and licorice. The layered, full-bodied mouthfeel displays no heat, but the wine has massive concentration and a silky, smooth finish. Because of the low acidity in the 2009s, and sweet tannins, this has turned out to be a glorious example of Chateauneuf du Pape to drink over the next two decades. 197, The Wine Advocate, 31 Oct 2011, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The deep ruby/plum-tinged, spicy 2009 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone offers hints of sweet boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and incense. Elegant and full-bodied with a heady concoction of fruit and glycerin, it can be enjoyed for 15 or more years.One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007. Wine Advocate (197), 31st Oct 2011, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
As I wrote last year, the 2009 Hermitage La Chapelle is easily the greatest, most profound La Chapelle since the 1990. Most of this cuvee comes from Le Meal and Les Bessards vineyards, with a touch of Les Roucoules fruit in the blend. It is an opaque purple-colored wine with enormous concentration in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of graphite, creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice, beef blood and a touch of smoked game. Boasting phenomenal intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and 50 years of longevity, the only thing that could possibly hold it back is that most consumers should plan on laying it away for 8-10 years. Wine Advocate (198), Dec 2011, Robert Parker
The 2009 St.-Joseph Domaine de la Croix des Vignes (which sees about 20% new French oak) exhibits an elegant perfume of blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, subtle smoke and spring flowers. A crushed rock-like/steely character is also apparent in the mouth. Brilliantly combining both elegance and substance, this beauty can be enjoyed over the next 12-15 years. The Wine Advocate, Dec 23, 2011, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee (normally a blend of approximately 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre) exhibits a deep ruby/plum/garnet hue along with lots of grilled meat juices, roasted Provencal herbs, tar, blackberries and black currants. The wine is medium to full-bodied, still firm and tannic. It is those tannins that make the 2005 somewhat reminiscent of a tight, more austere-styled vintage such as 1995. The 2009 meeds at least another 4-5 years of cellaring, and should last for 20 years or more. Wine Advocate (191), Oct 2010, Robert Parker
One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007. Wine Advocate (197), 31st Oct 2011, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Reminding me of the 1992 and a resounding success in the vintage, The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins is a seamless, elegant and beautifully complex effort that’s worth seeking out. Offering up notions of sandalwood, sweet cherries, pepper and exotic spice, it is medium-bodied, elegant and silky on the palate. Finesse-driven, with terrific complexity and nuance, this beauty is already accessible and a joy to drink. Enjoy it over the coming decade or more. Wine Advocate (209), Oct 2013, Jeb Dunnuck
The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee was about to be bottled at the time of my visit, and it will certainly be one of the better wines of the vintage. By the standards of Pegau, it is not a massive wine nor will it be terribly long-lived. However, this estate has an incredible track record in off years, so I would not be surprised to see this wine exceeding readers’ expectations in 10-12 years. Tasting through the three remaining lots that will be blended together, I rated them between 89 and 92. That makes it one of the better wines of the vintage. Medium to full-bodied, chewy and very evolved, the wine exhibits lots of earth, lavender and foresty/mossy notes intermixed with kirsch, peppery black currants and Christmas fruitcake spices. It should drink nicely for 10-12+ years. Laurence calls it a very “traditional” style that she believes will be as good as their 2006. The Wine Advocate, Oct 31, 2010, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A much lighter style of wine, but showing far better now that it has had some time in bottle, is Emmanuel Reynaud’s 2008 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Medium ruby, with a classic nose of kirsch liqueur intermixed with Provencal herbs, sandy, loamy soil notes, some licorice and steak tartare, this wine is fleshy, medium to full-bodied, round, generous, and surprisingly seductive and luscious. I wouldn’t be surprised if many tasters prefer this over the bigger, richer, more structured and potentially far greater 2007, at least for the next 4-5 years. This is a sensational effort and one of the finest wines of the vintage, the most challenging year in Chateauneuf du Pape since the historical deluge in 2002. Wine Advocate (203), 31st Oct 2012, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A bigger wine, the 2007 Cornas exhibits notes of scorched earth, new saddle leather, blackberries, cassis, figs, and tobacco leaf. Luscious by Clape’s standards, it should age nicely for 15 years. 182, The Wine Advocate, 29 Apr 2009, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The star of the show was the 2007 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage À Jacques Perrin, which in this vintage is a classic blend of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and the rest Counoise and Grenache. Inky colored and insanely perfumed, with to-die-for notes of lavender, Provencal herbs, roasted meats, black cherries, truffle, crème de cassis and licorice, it flows onto the palate with massive concentration, a stunning mid-palate and a thick, rich texture that never gets heavy or cumbersome. This is blockbuster stuff that just could not get any better. Drink it anytime over the coming 3-4 decades. 217, The Wine Advocate, 28 Feb 2015, Jeb Dunnuck
I think the Rayas 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape will turn out to eclipse the 2005. It is unequivocally the finest wine made here since Emmanuel Reynaud’s uncle, the late Jacques Reynaud, produced his brilliant 1995. This wine was just released this year, with the 2008 coming on the market in the next few months. The 2007 is a relatively dark ruby/purple-tinged wine, more intensely colored than most Rayas Chateauneufs tend to be, since they are made from 100% Grenache and color has never been one of their hallmarks. The extraordinarily youthful and still burgeoning aromatics of black raspberries, black cherries, truffles and licorice lead to a full-bodied, powerful Rayas with sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and an ethereal richness and unctuosity that delicately offers a sensual texture. It is full-bodied, concentrated and approachable, but won’t hit its peak for at least another 4-5 years and will last for 25 or more. This is a spectacular Rayas, the likes of which hasn’t existed at this qualitative level since 1995. Wine Advocate (203), Oct 2012, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
One of the sexiest, most decadent and unctuous wines in the vintage, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape le Secret de Sabon (95% Grenache and the rest a mix of permitted varieties) boasts a youthful ruby/purple-tinged color as well as a heavenly array of black raspberries, crushed flowers, spice and incense. Despite all its size and richness, it still glides across the palate with a weightless, elegant style, and this total hedonistic turn-on is ideal for drinking anytime over the coming 15+ years. The Wine Advocate (229), 1st Mar 2017, Jeb Dunnuck
More taut, focused and chiseled than the le Pavillon, the blockbuster 2006 Ermitage L'Ermite offers full-bodied richness, a liquid rock-like minerality and sensational notes of black currants, bloody meat, licorice and spice. Reminding me of the 1995, with sensational depth, purity and length, this incredible wine won’t hit maturity for another decade, and will keep for 2-3 decades. 229, The Wine Advocate, 1st Mar 2017, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2006 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone exhibits meaty, herbal, tapenade, pepper, animal fur, and damp earth-like notes. It is soft, round, lush, and best consumed over the next 10+ years. 179, The Wine Advocate, 30 Oct 2008, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The most intense and opaque purple-colored effort is the 2006 La Landonne. More primordial than either the La Mouline or La Turque, it exhibits notes of asphalt, blackberries, charcoal, truffles, roasted meats and creme de cassis. Full-bodied as well as extraordinarily pure and rich, it is approachable, but will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and last 30-40 years. Wine Advocate (193), Feb 2011, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Made in a completely different style, the colossal 2006 Hermitage Ex-Voto is pure power, muscle, and concentration. Its inky/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary, precise nose of creme de cassis, smoke, charcoal, incense, and spring flowers. Full-bodied with outrageous concentration, good acidity, noble sweet tannin, and a 60-second finish, this wine requires 5-6 more years of bottle age, and should drink well for 30-50 years. Wine Advocate (182), Apr 2009, Robert Parker
The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee shares a similar meaty, gamy character intermixed with abundant notes of kirsch liqueur, ground pepper and Provencal herbs, sweeter tannins than the 2005, a voluptuous, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long finish. The fruit seems sweeter and I would not be surprised if the 2006 has higher alcohol than the 2005 (although all top vintages here tend to be in the 14.8-15.6 range). This big, rich, impressive effort will age effortlessly over the next 20-25 years. Wine Advocate (191), Oct 2010, Robert Parker
The elegant 2006 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is not as powerful as the 2005 or 2007, but it offers a deep ruby color as well as opulent, fleshy, kirsch and black raspberry characteristics along with hints of spring flowers and loamy soil. A sexy, showy, beautifully balanced, silky effort, it is already approachable, and should drink well for two decades.After going through a transitional period after Jacques Reynaud died in 1997, it is safe to say that his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, has returned this venerable estate to its previous level of high quality. While Chateauneuf du Pape is a warm appellation, Rayas is situated in a cool micro-climate, and is undoubtedly not an easy property to maintain. It is also known for its sandy soils, which are in total contrast to the rock-strewn plateau a half mile to the east, west, and south. Two utterly profound Rayas Chateauneuf du Papes have been produced recently, the 2005 and 2007. 2007 is a superb vintage at Chateau Rayas Wine Advocate (179), Oct 2008, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Reminiscent of the 1995, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is tight, structured and backward, with high acidity and tannin. Showing notes of blackcurrants, black raspberry, truffle, damp earth and cedar, with medium to full-bodied richness and depth, it needs another 3-5 years to reach the early stages of maturity, at which point it will hold for another decade or more. 217, The Wine Advocate, 28 Feb 2015, Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, from the very dome of the granite hill of Ermitage is the 2005 Ermitage l’Ermite. An extraordinarily powerful wine that probably needs 10-15 years in the bottle (last year I thought 20 was probably conservative), this is a 100-year wine and probably best appreciated by our descendants rather than anyone currently over the age of 30. Dense purple to the rim, with notes of crushed rock, charcoal, roasted meats, and enormous quantities of blue and black fruits, this wine is almost painfully rich and thick, with mouthsearing levels of tannin and zesty acidity. Monumental! Anticipated maturity: 2020-2080. 175, The Wine Advocate, 29 Feb 2008, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone is a blockbuster. This blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 15% Syrah has a dark ruby/purple color and a beautifully structured style with notes of black truffle, licorice, black currant, and sweet cherry intermixed with some crushed rock and flowers. The wine is beautifully broad, savory, and exceptionally well-delineated and focused. This is a magnificent wine that should be at its best between 2010 and 2025. Wine Advocate (173), Oct 2007, Robert Parker
Made in a totally different style, the masculine, backward 2005 Hermitage exhibits an inky/dark ruby/purple color along with aromas of graphite, creme de cassis, licorice, roasted herbs, and scorched earth. The minerality and tannins dominate this gamy, thick, rich 2005, which, given its tannic structure, is closest in style to a vintage such as 1995 or 1998. Give it 7-10 more years of cellaring, and drink it over the following three decades. Wine Advocate (182), Apr 2009, Robert Parker
Jamet’s 2005 Cote Rotie is still tight and backwards, with almost no evolution in its blackberry, bouquet garni, violets and olive-scented bouquet. Medium-bodied, fresh, pure and lively, with bright acidity and notable tannin, give bottles another 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following decade. The Wine Advocate(223), 4 Mar 2016, Jeb Dunnuck
The best bottle I've ever had, the 2005 Hermitage la Chapelle showed much more density and concentration than I recall. Peppery herbs, currants, dried blood and licorice flow beautifully to a medium to full-bodied wine that has lots of tannin, but solid mid-palate depth as well. It has a touch of the savory rusticity found in the 2006, but was still impressive on this occasion. It's worth noting that both the 2004 and 2005 were blended by Caroline Frey. eRobertParker.com, Sep 2015, Jeb Dunnuck
There are about 500 cases of the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Pignan, a gloriously decadent, hedonistic style of Chateauneuf du Pape with oodles of kirsch liqueur intermixed with licorice, lavender, spice box, and earth. Full-bodied and fleshy, this medium ruby-colored wine is a gorgeous expression of Grenache that is surprisingly supple for the vintage and very long. It should drink beautifully for 12-15 years. Wine Advocate (173), 31st Oct 2007, Robert M. Parker, Jr.
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. Wine Advocate (217), 28th Feb 2015, Jeb Dunnuck