Jacques Reynaud, who died in 1997, was one of the true characters in Châteauneuf. A notoriously shy and private man, he was known to avoid appointments by hiding in ditches that lined the rutted driveway leading to his château. However, he was recognised as one of the world’s greatest winemakers and the legacy of Château Rayas is now continued by his son François.
Rayas also makes three different Fonsalette wines; Chateau Rayas Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah, Chateau Rayas Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone and Chateau Rayas Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc.
The wines of Fonsalette are made in the cellars of Rayas. In total, Emmanuel Reynaud owns 10 hectares of vines in the Cotes du Rhone appellation.
92+ Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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.