![Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 Chateau Rayas [Released from the Chateau and stored in France]](http://cepages-wines.com/cdn/shop/files/rayas_chateauneuf.jpg?v=1765261973&width=1000)
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 Chateau Rayas [Released from the Chateau and stored in France]
The 2003 vintage, bathed in soft light, is a wine that embodies the charm of Rayas to the fullest extent. Despite the scorching heat of the year, the fruit is filled with delicate sweetness and quiet refinement, with ripe red berries layered with spices and dried herbs. The palate is filled with astonishingly pure fruit and a gentle texture, with a long finish and a quiet reverberation of clear minerals. This is a special vintage that speaks of elegance rather than power. A Chateauneuf that is worth tasting at least once, worthy of discovering the true essence of Rayas.
Tasting note
Deep ruby garnet with subtle hints of maturity on the rim and a clear, radiant glow. The aroma of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, and cherries rises from the glass. Over time, the aromas of spices, rosemary, dried herbs, and the sweet, soft scent of licorice and sandalwood overlap, creating a quiet, deep aroma that is characteristic of Rayas. The nuances of dried fruit and black tea that come from aging are also delicate. The texture is soft and silky in the mouth. The sweetness of the ripe fruit of 2003 is gently overflowing, and the acidity is mild and round, but the overall balance of the wine is not disrupted, and the transparent minerality supports the core. The tannins are supple and smooth. In the middle, red fruits, herbs, and spices spread like gentle waves, and the finish is long and elegant, fading out beautifully. This is a special year in which Rayas exudes the serenity and elegance that characterizes it, rather than the power one might imagine from a scorching hot vintage. The roundness and purity of the ripe fruit are appealing, making this an elegant and sensual Rayas that you'll want to experience now that it's at its peak.
Food pairing
Roasted duck breast with red fruit sauce Herb roasted lamb with thyme and rosemary Porcini Risotto with Parmesan
- Producer
- Secret Cellar
- Region
- Rhône
- Appellation
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- Vintage
- 2003
- Grape varieties
- 100% Grenache
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- 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.
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