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2008 Chateau Rayas

Iconic wine from a legendary producer – there are only 400 cases ever made of this vintage! Rayas 2008 will change your mind on single varietal Grenache with its black cherry, liquorice and earthy, herby notes.

Why you want it?

This Chateau Rayas has thrown off the reputation that Rhone wines are slow and steady performers with huge price appreciation since mid-2021.

Prices in July 2022 were more than twice what they were a year prior, the type of growth normally reserved for Burgundy Grand Crus!

High quality, low production levels and unique Grenache-only wines make Rayas stand out, enhancing its investment potential.
Country
France
Region
Rhone
Sub Region
Chateauneuf du Pape
Producer
Chateau Rayas
Value
£1,459
average price per 75cl bottle
Wine-Searcher data, July 2022
Critic Score
93
points
Wine Advocate
Performance
+421%
average 5-year return
Wine-Searcher data, July 2022

What did the critics say?

A sensational effort and one of the finest wines of the vintage.

Robert Parker

Wine Advocate – 93pt
2012

Firm mineral cut and
very impressive clarity.

Josh Raynolds

Vinous - 93pt
2012

Where is it from?

Situated near Avignon in southern France, Chateauneuf du Pape is renowned for its spicy, bold and full-bodied reds that are mostly a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. But appellation rules allow 18 varieties, making Chateauneuf a diverse region of many exciting possibilities.

Legend tells that in 1321, under the reign of Pope John XXII, four barrels were bought from the papal cellar to be filled with wine in Chateauneuf. So pleased were the papal congregation with the wine that they planted new vines, and thus many estates in Chateauneuf de Pape were born.

Historically, the prices for top wines of the Rhone Valley, including Chateauneuf, were on par with the Bordeaux first growths and most of the top Burgundy producers. With Burgundy and Bordeaux prices skyrocketing, the price-quality ratio of Rhone wines has become increasingly attractive.

Who made it?

Founded in 1880, this family-run estate is one of the icons of the Châteauneuf du Pape. Rayas focuses on single-varietal Grenache wines without Syrah or Mourvèdre as is typical for the appellation. Rayas’ quality is also outstanding, owing to the northerly orientation and sandy soils of its vineyards.

The primarily red sand and limestone slopes differentiate Rayas from other southern Rhone producers, making it a cool site in a warm region. This gives the wines a distinct elegance and purity.