2006 - Cotes du Rhone Syrah, de Fonsalette

Component #1, from clay and galets Deep, inky cherry and creme de framboise scents. Chewy dark fruit preserve flavors, with suave tannic grip and excellent persistence. Component #2: Inky purple color. Powerful dark fruit aromas, with a strong olive undertone. Spicy cherry and plum flavors are framed by solid tannins, turning sweeter and more red-fruity on the finish. In final form this should be a knockout.

The outstanding 2006 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah boasts a dense purple color along with a sweet perfume of tar, charcoal, roasted meats, black olives, and gobs of blackberry fruit as well as camphor. This rich, full-bodied 2006 should evolve for 20-25 years. 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 Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400