Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réservé 2005

98 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: "This wine expresses a supreme elegance that undeniably places it in the ranks of the most successful crus sinced the mythic 1990 and 1995, with perhaps a refinement of texture and a precision that is even more accentuated. This is great art! Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"

97 points Robert Parker: " could not resist retasting the 2005 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Until the 2007 is in bottle, the 2005 is clearly the greatest wine made at this estate since the 1995. Made from 100% Grenache, it boasts an unusually (for Rayas) dark ruby/purple-tinged color as well as an exceptionally sweet bouquet of black cherry jam, truffles, incense, licorice, and raspberries. Full-bodied with a stunningly rich, concentrated mouthfeel, an explosive mid-palate, and a finish that lasts more than a minute, it is a wine of superb power and intensity admirably displaying the terroir’s hallmark delicacy and ethereal nature. This utterly profound Chateauneuf du Pape should drink beautifully for 25+ years. Drink: 2008-2033. (Oct 2008)"

96+ points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): "Showing the more structured, savory and austere side of the vintage, the 2005 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape will be 20-30 year wine. Offering up lots of darker fruits, gunpowder, ground pepper, truffles and licorice, it has full-bodied richness, a beautiful texture and no shortage of tannin or acid, both of which make themselves known on the finish. This is a wine to hide in the cellar for at least another 4-5 years, and it will still be going strong in 2030+. I don't see this matching the 1995 or 2007, but it's not far off. Drink: 2020-2035. (Feb 2015)"

96 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Deep red. Explosively perfumed nose offers a kaleidoscopic bouquet of red berries, candied cherry, orange marmalade and fresh flowers. Silky and deep in raspberry and cherry flavor, but with an airy, graceful character reminiscent of a highfalootin' Burgundy. A remarkably concentrated, elegant wine that finishes with superb, seamless length. There is absolutely no excess fat on this. (Jan/Feb 2008)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck (Rhone Report): "The 2005 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve exhibits a slightly transparent, ruby red color as well as knockout aromatics of garrigue, kirsch, raspberries, and smoke. With air, some black tea leaves and licorice notes follow. The wine is beautifully perfumed, complex and nuanced. In the mouth, it’s full bodied with sweet fruit, a soft, supple texture and a blockbuster finish. While I think this clearly surpasses the ’04 (a fantastic wine in its own right), I’m not sure it hits the heights of the ’89,’90 or ’95. Time will tell though and this is a gorgeous Rayas that should drink beautifully over the next 20 years. (Drink between 2010-2030. (Feb 2010)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Really pure, tangy and superracy, with fresh, bright minerality rippling through the red cherry, red currant, fresh garrigue, shiso leaf and licorice notes. The long, finely tuned finish lingers on and on, with very fine acidity carrying it all. Drink now through 2028. 1,300 cases made, 275 cases imported. (9/30/08)"