2017 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rhône France Wine Tasting Note
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2017
Château Rayas Reserve (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Elegance, refinement and a remarkable purity of fruit are the hallmarks of this vintage at Rayas. The kirsch is silky, fresh, juicy, long and sensuous, with length and complexity. The parade of ripe, red fruits in the finish stays with you for close to 60 seconds. The wine is not yet bottled. But it is quite clear this is going to be one of the top vintages for Rayas. 6,025 Views Tasted Nov 25, 2019 |
When to Drink Chateau Rayas, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
Chateau Rayas can be enjoyed on the young side. However, the wine is much better with age. Still, due to its soft, pure, elegant, fresh style young vintages can be popped and poured, or decanted for 2 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.
Chateau Rayas is usually better after 8-10 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. In the best vintages, the wine should be consumed within 10-30 years after the vintage.
Serving Chateau Rayas with Wine, Food Pairing Tips
Rayas is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.
Chateau Rayas is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed dishes, sausage, and cassoulet. Chateau Rayas is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms pasta, eggplant, and tomatoes.
The white wine of Rayas is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork, and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.