Chateau Rayas Blanc Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve, Rhone, France, 2008, 750ml

Outer quote mark Bright yellow. Expansive, highly aromatic bouquet of orange, pear and flowers, with notes of talc and anise coming up with air. Pure and penetrating citrus and mineral flavors pack a serious punch and show a strong spicy quality on the back end. Finishes with resonating mineral and spice notes, an almost oily texture and outstanding persistence. I’d love to see this next to some high-end grand cru Burgundies. Emmanuel Reynaud told me that yields were off by over 70% in 2008 so this will be a rare bird. – 94-96 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Outer quote mark Pale. Very rich – richer than the Fonsalette – yet with great verve. Heady, almost fat yet redeemed with really quite complex aromas I associate with white blossom. How does he coax this freshness out of those ancient casks? – Jancis Robinson