TN: A Revelation

[Asher]

This was served blind by Brooklynguy, and my guess was Grand Cru Burgundy, possibly Ponsot. Wow, what a nose - exotic, herbal, menthol, tremendously energetic, effusive and captivating in its nuance and details. On the palate, very expressive, springs around in the mouth and shows great energy; with impressive palate lift, yet weightless and light on its feet. Pure strawberry fruit, like the center of a Starburst candy, yet without any candy-like sweetness. Very well contained and proportioned on the palate. Brooklynguy gets a bit of heat on the back end.

Revealed, it was the 2003 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve.

For me, the Wine of the Vintage for '03, which is saying quite a bit because I think that for the most part, '03 Chateauneuf is closer to California Zinfandel in its ripeness and heat. There have been only two '03 CdP's that I can recall liking, the Charvin and this one. A revelation indeed.

 

[MLipton]

Interesting note, Asher. It's ironic that, in an earlier era, those grapes might have gone into Grand Cru Burgundy.

Mark Lipton

 

[SteveTimko]

The 2003 Chteau Fortia Chteauneuf-du-Pape Cuve du Baron drank well young, though I'm sure it's not as good as the Rayas. I've got one bottle left and might open it next week in celebration. Love the stuff. Not too big.

 

[Salil Benegal]

Wow - sounds phenomenal. Certainly far better than any of my experiences with 03 CDPs (aside from the Usseglio Mon Aieul, found most too roasted or jammy in flavour for my liking).

And I'm glad to see I'm not the only person who mistakes CDP for Burgundy when the label's hidden...

 

[SteveTimko]

Dick Krueger drinks Chateauneuf-du-pape from a Burgundy glass, something I've started copying.

 

[Asher]

originally posted by SteveTimko:
The 2003 Chteau Fortia Chteauneuf-du-Pape Cuve du Baron drank well young, though I'm sure it's not as good as the Rayas. I've got one bottle left and might open it next week in celebration. Love the stuff. Not too big.

I bought two bottles of the '03 Fortia on release, both from the same NYC store, and both heat damaged. Not heat-damaged grapes, but heat damaged bottles. Please report back how the '03 shows. My sense is that Fortia CdPs are honest and non-spoofy, but best enjoyed short to mid term.

 

[Arjun Mendiratta]

I would say that mistaking Rayas for Burgundy and mistaking Chateauneuf for Burgundy are slightly different things.

 

[Lou Kessler]

originally posted by SteveTimko:
Dick Krueger drinks Chateauneuf-du-pape from a Burgundy glass, something I've started copying.

The Dick Krueger from Santa Fe? If so beware, I know Dick for 30 years and I know his motive.

 

[Rahsaan]

originally posted by Lou Kessler: I know Dick for 30 years and I know his motive.

His motive for drinking CdP from a Burgundy glass? What would that motive be?

 

[Lou Kessler]

originally posted by Rahsaan:

originally posted by Lou Kessler: I know Dick for 30 years and I know his motive.

His motive for drinking CdP from a Burgundy glass? What would that motive be?

Thank you Rahsaan, I knew there had to be a straight man in the crowd. Dick like everyone has his quirks and foibles. When Dick showed one we would say together, "Dick is just being Dickish". Now aren't you sorry you asked?

 

[Rahsaan]

originally posted by Lou Kessler: "Dick is just being Dickish". Now aren't you sorry you asked?

No!

 

[Lou Kessler]

originally posted by Rahsaan:

originally posted by Lou Kessler: "Dick is just being Dickish". Now aren't you sorry you asked?

No!

You're so easy to get along with, I'm duly impressed!

 

[SFJoe]

originally posted by Rahsaan:

originally posted by Lou Kessler: I know Dick for 30 years and I know his motive.

His motive for drinking CdP from a Burgundy glass? What would that motive be?

Huffing.

 

[Jeff Grossman]

There's nothing quite like a strong impression on one's duly's.

 

[Jonathan Loesberg]

I haven't had the Rayas 03, but I've had a lot of other 03s. Except for some controversial poster children--Clos des Papes and Vieux Donjon being the obvious ones--they don't taste like Zinfandel to me. They taste sort of like neon kool-aid, though not as sweet in a way I find giggly but I could imagine objecting to. A weird vintage no doubt, but not a weird vintage in the way people want to make out in order to have the usual debates.

 

[Asher]

I'm not sure, Jonathan, whether you're putting me in the same group as those "people". I couldn't care less. Debate all you want, I'll be elsewhere drinking something other than an '03 CdP.

 

[Jonathan Loesberg]

originally posted by Asher:
I'm not sure, Jonathan, whether you're putting me in the same group as those "people". I couldn't care less. Debate all you want, I'll be elsewhere drinking something other than an '03 CdP.

I don't believe you will find the words "those people" or even "those 'people' in my post. I wasn't even denying grounds for disliking 03s since I would agree that they aren't typical, as I said. I was certainly disagreeing with the characterization of most 03s as like Zinfandel. I doubt these things can be debated, taste being what it is, except by throwing out alternative similes for taste experience, which I tried to do. And I surely have no desire to make you drink anything you don't want to. I think you are confusing me with someone on the Parker board.

 

[Asher]

Well, then. I hope you feel better now. I know I do.

 

[Jonathan Loesberg]

Better than what and since when? I've had an enjoyable morning, thanks.

 

[Jay Miller]

To my great shock and consternation I found myself enjoying an '03 'Mon Aueil' last year. Fortunately I hated every other Chateauneuf on the table so I knew I hadn't fallen into some strange mirror universe.

Goatee notwithstanding.