Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1997 Chateau Rayas [Released from the Chateau and stored in France]

Chateauneuf du Pape 1997 Chateau Rayas

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 unparallel...

Item code

C97R1461

Producer

Secret Cellar

Type

Red

Region

Rhône

Appellation

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Vintage

1997

Grape varieties

100% Grenache

Alcohol

14.0%

Volume

750ml

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

Winemaking & technical data

Winemaking: Whole bunch fermentation in concrete tanks followed by aging for approximately 16 months in 450-600 L demi-muids (large oak barrels) and old foudres.

Yield: Very low, approximately 15 hl/ha.

Soil and vineyard conditions: North-facing plot. Unique terroir with fewer boulders than the typical Châteauneuf-du-Pape “galets roulés” soil.

Scores & awards

Wine Advocate: 94 points