Really difficult to place this wine, not getting any of the Rayas DNA on this at the start, but with some air time in the glass, yea the sweet fruit, kirsch, honey and prunes kicked it, although still very much dialed back that what I would’ve expected. Today it’s a massive block that’s unyielding and wound up, and from the looks of it, I’m really not sure when this’ll turn around.
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Double-blind. No idea what this wine was before revealing. Muted nose and showing nothing on the palate too. Too young or just bad ? Probably a 87 pointer at most at this stage.
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Jason's birthday: Guessed an international northern Rhone international producer like Chapoutier - probably the most damning verdict that I can give. Too alcoholic and dense with impenetrable black fruit, and a bitter finish. Apparently this was opened since 7am in the morning before dinner!
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The 2006 Fonsalette is drinking beautifully, bursting from the glass with aromas of sweet raspberries and cherries mingled with vine smoke, orange rind, sun dried tomatoes and paraffin wax. Full-bodied, suave and seamless, this has really come into its own in the last few years, showing depth and intensity that wasn't apparent in its youth. In the end, it's emerging as one of the finest Fonsalettes of the decade.
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(Château Rayas Côtes du Rhône Château de Fonsalette Reserve) Dark garnet red color; VA, stewy, tart plum, prune, garrigue nose; stewy, tart plum, roasted plum, garrigue, smoke, unbalanced palate; medium-plus finish (at about $60, the opposite of value)
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5/1/2024 - wineton.mee wrote: 89 Points
Really difficult to place this wine, not getting any of the Rayas DNA on this at the start, but with some air time in the glass, yea the sweet fruit, kirsch, honey and prunes kicked it, although still very much dialed back that what I would’ve expected. Today it’s a massive block that’s unyielding and wound up, and from the looks of it, I’m really not sure when this’ll turn around.
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4/28/2024 - pclin wrote:
Double-blind. No idea what this wine was before revealing. Muted nose and showing nothing on the palate too. Too young or just bad ? Probably a 87 pointer at most at this stage.
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4/26/2024 - pavel_p Likes this wine: 91 Points
Jason's birthday: Olive tapenade and rich dark fruit. Unlike the Pignan, I thought this tasted clearly Southern Rhone / C9dP.
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4/26/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote: 85 Points
Jason's birthday: Guessed an international northern Rhone international producer like Chapoutier - probably the most damning verdict that I can give. Too alcoholic and dense with impenetrable black fruit, and a bitter finish. Apparently this was opened since 7am in the morning before dinner!
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8/27/2023 - William Kelley Likes this wine:
The 2006 Fonsalette is drinking beautifully, bursting from the glass with aromas of sweet raspberries and cherries mingled with vine smoke, orange rind, sun dried tomatoes and paraffin wax. Full-bodied, suave and seamless, this has really come into its own in the last few years, showing depth and intensity that wasn't apparent in its youth. In the end, it's emerging as one of the finest Fonsalettes of the decade.
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