Château Rayas has always projected an image of secrecy and seclusion. The vines are planted on the most unusual terroir in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where the soils are extremely sandy and there is a more northerly exposure. Grenache is harvested late and aged in concrete to produce a hedonistic, long-ageing wine that is arguably the most sought-after in the south of France. Read Jancis Robinson’s interesting account of visiting Château Rayas.

Wine Cellar receives a very small allocation of this highly priced Châteauneuf-du-Pape each year. But luckily for us, their sister property in the Vaucluse produces wine in exactly the same way from similar soils at a fraction of the price. The Domaine des Tours Vin de Pays Vaucluse – a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah and Mourvèdre – shows the perfume of Rayas in a lighter, earlier-drinking format. This was one of Roland’s top wines of 2014 and it’s a no-brainer purchase for Rhône lovers. We have just landed another 20 cases.

We also offer ‘the Rayas-like Vacqueyras, a 100% Grenache cuvee made from fruit grown in pure sandy soils, aged completely in tank. It comes across like a family member of the great Chateau Rayas,’ says Robert Parker on the superb 2007 vintage. It is a massive wine that really requires another decade of ageing.

Please let us know if you would like to be included on the Rayas allocation list by emailing [email protected] .

Tasting notes
 

Domaine des Tours Vin de Pays Vaucluse Rouge 2010
A blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and the rest Counoise, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The nose shows lots of floral notes, intermixed with ripe berries, orange peel and dried Provençal herbs. The palate is alive with rich and exotic red fruits, ending in a meaty spice and dry tannin. Unbelievably delicious. – Roland Peens

Domaine des Tours Vacqueyras 2007
Perhaps the finest Vacqueyras Des Tours has produced since the 1989 and 1990 is the 2007. This powerhouse boasts stunning levels of kirsch, garrigue, pepper and framboise, a big, full-bodied mouthfeel and super freshness, purity and overall equilibrium. It will benefit from another several years of bottle age and keep for 12-15 years.

At his home estate, Emmanuel Reynaud (who has been producing the Rayas wines since 1997) has nearly 100 acres of vineyards from which he makes a wonderful array of value-priced reds and whites. – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

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