Pignan-2005 and 2006 Side by Side

• 2005 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pignan Reserve

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Medium ruby. Fantastic raspberry fruit and a thread of soil that I haven't noticed before. Gloriously pure, succulent red fruit in a light weight package with some residual tannin and just a hint of herbs. Intoxicating and absolutely delicious. Unique in its Burgundian delivery of flavor without weight, and the utter beauty and unwavering focus of the fruit. Gorgeous now, good for another 3-5 years, but I would definitely not miss out out on that fruit. The finest Chateauneuf I've had in quite some time.

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• 2006 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pignan Reserve

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Fading red. While there is the hallmark red fruit on the nose, it takes a back seat to thyme and pepper. At the same time, both lighter weight and more overripe than the 2005, giving it a beautiful complexity yet less of the seductive fruit of the older wine. In fact, it gets a bit pruny as it sits in the glass. Average acidity, soft fading finish with largely resolved tannic structure. Of the 2 vintages, this is the one to drink up, although it does not provide the heights or thrills of its older sibling.

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Clear cut consensus winner-2005. What a wine!