![Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1997 Chateau Rayas [Released from the Chateau and stored in France]](http://cepages-wines.com/cdn/shop/files/rayas_1997.jpg?v=1765262989&width=1200)
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1997 Chateau Rayas [Released from the Chateau and stored in France]
Château Rayas is considered a mythical presence in the Southern Rhône. 1997 is a year in which lustrous fruit and delicate spices blend together to produce a stunningly clear palate. The elegance of the old Grenache vines, grown in sandy soil, is unparalleled, with soft tannins leading to a long finish. This wine pursues poetic beauty over power.
Tasting note
When poured into a glass, it has a slightly pale ruby color. The brick color can be seen towards the rim, quietly revealing the nuances of aging. The aroma is surprisingly three-dimensional, with fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, and dried rose layered with saffron, white pepper, anise, and subtle licorice. The subtle hints of orange peel, forest undergrowth, and the gentle sweetness of old wooden barrels enhance the complexity. The palate is silky smooth, with the ripe fruit of Grenache unfolding softly. The structure is very elegant, with a clear, savory flavor that doesn't feel heavy. The acidity flows smoothly, and the fine tannins linger like long ripples. The finish is a quiet, deep interplay of sweet red fruits, spices, and the clear minerality unique to the sandy soil. This wine is at the peak of its maturity, embodying Rayas' aesthetic, with energy and transience coexisting.
Food pairing
Roasted duck breast with red fruit sauce Herb roasted lamb Porcini mushroom risotto
- Producer
- Secret Cellar
- Region
- Rhône
- Appellation
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- Vintage
- 1997
- Grape varieties
- 100% Grenache
- Alcohol
- 14.0%
- Volume
- 750ml
We are happy to gift-wrap your order.
Gift boxes
Boxes are available for one or two bottles.
Prices are shown on each product page and in the cart.
Noshi (Japanese ceremonial wrapping)
We cover the full range of noshi occasions — congratulations, thanks, mid-year and year-end gifts, and gifts in return. If you would like a particular inscription or name, please note it in the order comments.
How to order
Let us know at checkout if you would like your order gift-wrapped.
Gift orders are sent without an invoice showing the price.
Conditions and time limits
Because these are beverages, we are generally unable to accept returns or exchanges for reasons of personal preference. Please order with care.
Even with chilled delivery, a rapid change in temperature can cause slight seepage. This does not affect the quality of the wine, and we are unable to offer an exchange or refund in such cases. Every bottle is visually checked before packing.
Where the fault is ours, returns and exchanges are accepted within 7 days of delivery.
We are unable to help after that period, so thank you for your understanding.
Return postage
Where the fault is ours — a faulty bottle or the wrong item — we cover the cost of return. Returns and exchanges for reasons of personal preference are not accepted.
Faulty items
If anything arrives faulty, we will replace it with a new bottle or an equivalent, subject to availability.
Please contact us by email or telephone within 7 days of delivery. We are unable to accept requests after that period.
Refunds for events
Full refund
If an event is cancelled by the organiser, or cannot be held because of a natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstance, we refund in full.
No refund
For cancellations by the customer, we refund in full up to 3 days before the event; after that, no refund is available.
French Secret Cellar
Choose options