The 2009 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Pignan Reserve is a red wine from the Southern Rhone region of France, specifically from the esteemed Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Produced by Chateau Rayas, this wine is a proprietary blend with a primary focus on Grenache, as noted by Vinous reviewer Josh Raynolds.
According to Raynolds, writing for Vinous in January 2012, the wine showcases a "vivid red" color and an "intensely fragrant nose" with a complex array of red fruit, incense, and floral scents. The tasting notes highlight flavors of sweet raspberry and cherry, underpinned by silky tannins that provide structure. Raynolds also mentions that the wine's spiciness and florality build on a "long, juicy finish," emphasizing raspberry and candied licorice. He notes that the wine gains weight with air but maintains freshness and clarity, ultimately awarding it a score of 94.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, represented by RP, reviewed the wine in October 2011 and gave it a score of 93. Parker describes the 2009 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape as one of the strongest examples of this wine he has tasted in recent years. He describes the wine as medium to dark ruby-hued, exhibiting "glorious, sweet notes of strawberry and black cherry jam" intermixed with unique elements like nori (seaweed), licorice, lavender, and incense. Parker praises the wine for its deep, full-bodied, and supple texture, noting that it is already "irresistible." This particular vintage produced a limited 1,000-case cuvee.
In summary, the 2009 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Pignan Reserve is highly regarded by professional reviewers for its complex aromas, rich flavors, and well-balanced structure. Both Raynolds and Parker highlight its impressive depth and energy, making it a notable choice for enthusiasts of Grenache-based wines from the Chateauneuf du Pape region.