Description
94 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
One of the rarest wines from the Rayas/Fonsalette portfolio is always the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah. Made from vines grown on a north-facing, cool-climate slope from Syrah cuttings taken from the vineyards of the famous Chave family in Mauves in Tain Hermitage, the 2007 pushes animalistic characteristics to a maximum, but pulls back before it becomes too eccentric or idiosyncratic. This dark purple wine displays notes of bouquet garni, tapenade, raw beef, smoked duck, and plenty of cassis, black currant and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied, opulent, and possessing the 2007’s exuberance and low acidity but considerable glycerin and alcohol, this is a stunning Syrah that should drink well for 20-25 years. I base this time line on the fact that the 1978 Cuvee Syrah, their debut vintage, is still remarkably healthy and just approaching full maturity.