Wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Rayas - 2009

Viniou Reviews

Château Rayas 2009 from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC is an exceptional red wine that stands as a benchmark for the Southern Rhône. Predominantly crafted from Grenache – often up to 100% at Rayas – it hails from the renowned sandy soils of this illustrious estate, famed for enhancing fragrance and finesse in the wines. The 2009 vintage is marked by warm, sunny conditions in the Rhône, contributing to ripe, generous fruit and supple tannins. Vinification at Château Rayas favours minimal intervention, with traditional fermentation in cement vats and ageing in old oak foudres, magnifying the purity of the Grenache and the unique character of the terroir.

The Southern Rhône Valley boasts a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and the distinctive Mistral wind, which helps keep the vineyards healthy. Soils in Châteauneuf-du-Pape are varied, but Rayas is distinctive for its deep, sandy terroir, rare in the region and well-suited to Grenache, encouraging aromatic complexity and elegance over sheer power. The appellation itself was one of the first in France to receive official recognition, with a storied winemaking history dating back centuries and a reputation for bold yet nuanced wines.

With its refined texture and aromatic profile of red cherry, raspberry, kirsch, dried herbs, and subtle spice, this 2009 Rayas pairs beautifully with slow-cooked lamb shoulder, duck breast with a cherry reduction, or a classic Provençal daube. Regional dishes such as ratatouille or game birds roasted with herbes de Provence are also excellent companions, enhancing the wine’s depth without overpowering its aromatic finesse.

To fully appreciate its gentle tannins and intricate perfume, serve Château Rayas 2009 at around 16-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour will help the wine express its full panoply of aromas. Enjoy this bottle now for its mature complexities, or cellar further for those who prefer evolved, tertiary notes.