Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 1993 is a collectible fine wine from Rhone, France. It is bottled in 750 ml and ideal for serious collectors and top-level cellars.

The austere, medium ruby-colored 1993 Rayas exhibits fragrant, spicy, ripe berry fruit, medium body, and a clean, fresh, straightforward finish. It should drink well for 7-8 years. Jacques Reynaud is not pleased with what has happened at Rayas since the creation of his profound 1990. He declassified all of his Rayas in 1991. He produced a good 1992, and a light, fruity, soft 1993 and 1994. (Contrary to what I reported in issue #93, dated 6/30/94, not all of the 1993 production was declassified.) To put it in perspective, tasters who are familiar with the 1986 Rayas will find the 1993 and 1994 comparable in quality and personality. By the standards of this great estate, they are pleasant, but uninspiring wines. Reynaud, who is among the last to harvest in Chateauneuf du Pape, requires dry, sunny weather in late September and early October to fashion his riveting style – the Le Pin of Chateauneuf du Pape (but no new oak is used)! His wines can be unequaled in their perfumed richness, complexity, and layers of sweet fruit (i.e., 1978, 1979, 1981, 1988, 1989, and 1990). When it rains, Reynaud is often caught with fruit that is not physiologically mature enough, and the result is dilution.

by Robert M. Parker Jr. for WA, October 1995