CDP Rayas, Château Rayas 1995

A tiny crop of only 12-15 hectoliters per hectare, and less than 1,000 cases have made this one of the rarest, most difficult to obtain Rayas vintages. While the 1995 is evolving beautifully, it is not yet ready for prime time drinking. The color remains a dense ruby with purple nuances. The wine has that degree of over-ripeness allied to opulence, and a sumptuous texture that make this wine so striking. Notes of kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, minerals, spice, and flowers can be found in this exceptionally full-bodied, powerful, layered wine. Despite its massiveness, there is a sense of elegance, delineation, and balance. The abundant tannin has become sweeter and better integrated. This is certainly a complete and long-lived Rayas and should be uncommonly ageworthy. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020