Rayas Côtes-du-Rhône La Pialade 2019

**** John Livingstone-Learmonth (The Cradle of The Rhône): "(100% Grenache (80% 60 years, 20% young vines) from the rapé, or left over wine from Rayas, Pignan and Fonsalette, plus fruit from 5-8 year Rayas vines & a little from Courthézon, traditional fermentation, aged 1 year casks 12-15 months, 8-12,000 b (5,000 sold to USA)). pale red robe; the nose has a dark fruit, smoky air, with pine woods present. The palate has a good, smoky linger, mulberry fruit on the charge, with decisive menthol-like tannins, a surge from them, then glow on the aftertaste, a flavour of cooked, spiced plums. There is plenty in it, and it’s buzzy, up, has a real wild hedgerow nature with a saucy oiliness, much character. This is on sale now. 2038-40 Oct 2023."