November 10, 2022 - "The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Chicago, IL): I actually thought this was the best of the Fonsalette syrah lineup, for better or worse. I really like the intensity of the black fruit here, but this wine lacks the saline component of a good northern Rhone; it drinks a little foursquare, if I'm being totally honest. Plenty of fruit here, but this lacks the lift and excitement that syrah can really bring out.
May 12, 2022 - Sans notes
August 16, 2020 - Ouvert à l'horizontale (mais finalement il y a peu de lies et elles sont très fines) puis carafé 3 heures. L'aération lui permet de devenir un peu plus digeste et moins costaud. Ça demeure une Syrah de puissance, chocolatée, sur les fruits noirs avec une longue finale poivrée. Le nez évoque quelques arômes du domaine, un peu difficile à décrire, très beau. Le vin pourrait à mon avis être gardé encore longtemps en cave.
February 14, 2020 - Popped and poured. Took a few minutes to warm and put on weight. Without a doubt, one of the best Syrah wines I've ever had.
October 15, 2014 - Lots of Syrahs - Nate M visits Cleveland (A Restaurant Downtown): Just a gorgeous wine and expression of Syrah. Perhaps I liked this best as it is more middle of the road in style (or maybe because I brought it ;-) ). The nose has black raspberries, slight smoke, bacon fat, black pepper. It certainly has many warm climate characteristics, but is not overblown in any way. On the palate, it is juicy with a great lush texture. Complex and layered as it expands in the glass, I think it has many years ahead of it. Beautiful wine. Not cheap but worth it.
June 2, 2013 - Took some time to open, but when it did it showed the great pedigree of a Rayas wine. Inky color, earthy nose with pure and balanced fruit on the palate.
January 26, 2013 - Dinner with Friends (FMIII in the OC): Super wine. Dark plum, spice, and a solid dose of white pepper. Great complexity. I went back for more of this one.
June 6, 2011 - Je croyais avoir affaire à un Châteauneuf tant la vinification me semble semblable et produit une Syrah riche et parfumé, qu'on croirait agrémentée de Grenache. Un vin sérieux, qui ne tente pas d'en faire trop, mais se laisse boire avec une facilité déconcertante.
April 21, 2011 - decanted and poured a taste. Definately syrah, but the nose was still tight and slowly opened all night. Hints of herbs but focused on the floral side of things. Smooth to drink, but still just a bit tight. Try again in a year or two.
May 2, 2010 - Meaty, almost sappy in quality. Young but expressive.