2013 was not, in the southern Rhône, a year for the impatient. A cool, wet spring, a capricious summer, a long, late autumn — a vintage that forced winemakers to choose: harvest early and play it safe, or wait and hope. Emmanuel Reynaud waited. He always waited. And what emerged from that waiting is a Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge that is, of all the estate's vintages, the coolest, most taut and most mineral — the least southern in character, drifting furthest towards Burgundy or the northern Rhône. A wine for connoisseurs seeking precisely that: tension over warmth, finesse over fullness, depth over immediate accessibility.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, almost delicate ruby — even lighter than the warm vintages, with a hint of garnet. The nose is complex and quiet: red cherries, sour cherry, pomegranate, fresh herbs, moist tobacco, a hint of forest floor and a mineral depth that immediately evokes granite and limestone. On the palate, lean, precise and electrifyingly fresh — the texture is silky but taut as a bowstring. The tannins are fine and firm, the acidity lively and structural. The finish is long, mineral, almost saline — and evolves in the glass for hours. At least 90 minutes of decanting is strongly recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2027, optimal today

Perfect For

A considered, elegant dinner. Its cool, taut structure pairs beautifully with a herb-roasted leg of lamb, a grilled entrecôte with herb butter, a goat's cheese soufflé, or a powerful Comté — dishes that need structure to honour the structure of the wine.

The Critics Agree...

The 2013 Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge is described by connoisseurs as one of the most intellectual vintages from the estate — cooler, more austere and more mineral than the warm years, with a depth and tension that sets it apart from the crowd. CellarTracker entries praise its "astonishing freshness and tension for the region" and its "almost Burgundian minerality." For those seeking Reynaud in his purest, most uncompromising form — this is it.

• What is it? The coolest, most taut and most mineral vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — Emmanuel Reynaud in the year of patience.
• From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
• Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed on black sand and gravel.
• Tastes Like? Sour cherry, pomegranate, fresh herbs, moist tobacco, granite and salinity.
• Critics score? Insider's recommendation — praised for "almost Burgundian minerality and electrifying finish."

There is a sentence Emmanuel Reynaud is said to have uttered about La Pialade — sober, laconic, typically him: "This is the wine made from the grapes that didn't deserve to become Rayas or Fonsalette." The "petit vin." The modest one. And then you drink it. And you understand what that says about Rayas.

The 2015 vintage in the southern Rhône was warm, sunny and opulent — one of the most structured and expressive vintages of the decade, with perfect ripeness and a freshness that, despite the summer heat, preserved the wines' vivacity. For La Pialade — vinified in the cellar of Château Rayas itself, from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from Rayas and Fonsalette — 2015 was a vintage that brought out the best from this "little wine": warm, fruity, caressing, immediate. A Côtes du Rhône that needs no explanation — it drinks itself.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, lightly saturated ruby with slight garnet nuances — the unmistakable Reynaud transparency, even here. The nose is delightful: candied red fruits, strawberry, raspberry, dried rose, lavender, white pepper and a delicate hint of bitter cocoa and spice. On the palate, silky, round and extraordinarily caressing — a ribbon of silk that unfolds with freshness, red fruits, bay leaf and fine spices across the palate. The tannins are fully dissolved, the acidity lively, the finish aromatic and persistent. A wine that requires no thought — a wine to be enjoyed, now, without ceremony.

Serving temperature: 15–16°C · Drinking window: now, at its peak — don't wait too long

Perfect For

A relaxed dinner with no occasion required. La Pialade is the wine you open when you simply want to drink something good — with a royal couscous, a daube provençale, a grilled herb chicken, a cheese board, or simply on its own, at the table with good friends.

The Critics Agree...

La Pialade holds cult status among collectors and connoisseurs of the Reynaud universe — not for its points, but for its origin. Insiders describe it as "incredible for the price — the 'little wine' of Rayas, better than the selection of most others." The perfect entry ticket into the Reynaud universe: immediately accessible yet carrying its unmistakable character.

• What is it? The "little wine" of Château Rayas — made from the grapes of Rayas and Fonsalette that Emmanuel Reynaud deemed insufficient for his great wines. What that says about his great wines, one can only imagine.
• From? Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, France (AOC) — vinified in the cellar of Château Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• Grapes? 80% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 5% Syrah.
• Tastes Like? Candied strawberry, raspberry, dried rose, lavender, white pepper and fine spice.
• Critics score? Cult status in the Reynaud universe — the most accessible gateway to the wines of Château Rayas.

Directly outside the boundaries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape — literally a stone's throw from the mythical Château Rayas — lies an estate that has fascinated and bewildered the wine world for decades. Château de Fonsalette is a Côtes du Rhône. On paper. In the bottle, it is something else entirely. The 2012 vintage in the southern Rhône was warm and dry, with excellent natural ripeness and a freshness that lent the vintage genuine elegance. For Emmanuel Reynaud, who vinifies Fonsalette with the same hands, the same philosophy and the same cellar as Rayas, 2012 is a vintage that perfectly captures the classic Fonsalette signature: a rich nose of ripe red fruits, flowers and spices, a palate of exceptional silkiness and finesse. A wine to which its appellation label is entirely indifferent.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a luminous, medium-deep ruby. The nose is a captivating bouquet: ripe red fruits, cherry, raspberry, rose, wilted violets, licorice and a delicate hint of garrigue and spice. With air, it opens further — moist tobacco, forest floor, a nuance of leather and truffle. On the palate, exceptionally supple and silky, with a freshness and vitality that makes it electrifying despite its age. The tannins are fully integrated, the finish long, complex and aromatically persistent. A wine that unfolds in the glass like a flower — and that presents itself after two hours of decanting in a completely different way than at the first pour.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2028, optimal today

Perfect For

A classic southern French feast. Its floral, earthy profile with delicate spice calls for a herb-roasted leg of lamb à la Provençale, a charcoal-grilled entrecôte with herb butter, a wild boar ragù with black olives, or a well-aged goat's cheese such as Pélardon or Picodon.

The Critics Agree...

The Fonsalette Rouge 2012 was awarded 93 points by Wine-Searcher critics — exceptional for a Côtes du Rhône and proof of this wine's extraordinary character. Connoisseurs describe it as "nearly parallel in quality to Rayas itself — beyond the quality of any Côtes du Rhône before or since." Jancis Robinson praised the Cinsault component as "very pretty, floral and spicy." A wine that makes you forget its appellation status entirely.

• What is it? The greatest Côtes du Rhône in the world — vinified with the same hands, the same cellar and the same philosophy as Château Rayas.
• From? Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, France (AOC) — directly outside the boundaries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• Grapes? 50% Grenache Noir, 35% Cinsault, 10% Syrah — old vines, minimal intervention.
• Tastes Like? Cherry, raspberry, rose, wilted violet, licorice, garrigue and fine tobacco.
• Critics score? 93/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.

2018 was a year of warmth, generosity and exceptional ripeness in the southern Rhône — one of the most generous vintages of the decade. Perfect conditions throughout the growing season, without the extreme heat spikes that unbalanced other years. For Emmanuel Reynaud, who farms his old Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault and Syrah vines organically on the black sandy and gravelly soils of Sarrians, harvesting as late as possible, it was a dream year — not for a heavy, concentrated wine, but for something rare: a full, warm wine that still carries Burgundian finesse and a finish that perfectly preserves the year's sunshine. The 2018 is the most opulent of the three vintages in the range — and the most immediately accessible of its generation.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a slightly deeper ruby than is typical for the house — the warmth of the vintage is immediately visible. The nose is seductively rich: black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, pomegranate, violet, dried herbes de Provence, a delicate hint of cocoa and moist tobacco. On the palate, full-bodied, silky and caressing — the tannins are ripe and round, the acidity fresh enough to carry the fullness. The finish is long, warm and aromatically persistent. A wine that does not wait or struggle — it gives itself completely, immediately, generously. At least 45 minutes of decanting is recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2026, at its peak today

Perfect For

A festive autumn or winter dinner. The opulent warmth of the 2018 calls for braised beef cheeks with olives and orange zest, a wild boar ragù with forest mushrooms, a grilled leg of lamb, or a powerful aged cheese such as Comté or Tomme de Savoie.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge 2018 earned 91 points from the Wine-Searcher critics average — identical to the elegant 2016, but reached from an entirely different angle. Connoisseurs describe the 2018 as the "most perfumed and most opulent" of the recent vintages — a wine that expresses the full warmth of the South without ever losing the elegance that is Emmanuel Reynaud's signature.

• What is it? The most opulent and warmest vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — from the hand of Emmanuel Reynaud, guardian of Château Rayas.
• From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
• Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed on black sand and gravel.
• Tastes Like? Black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, violet, garrigue and moist tobacco.
• Critics score? 91/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.

2017 was a year of contrasts and surprises in the southern Rhône. Devastating spring frosts decimated yields across France — but in Sarrians, on the well-exposed, pebble-strewn clay-limestone soils of Emmanuel Reynaud's Domaine des Tours, the damage remained limited. What followed was a long, warm summer with perfect ripeness — warmer and more direct than the cool, tense 2016, but bearing Reynaud's unmistakable fingerprint: finesse where others seek power, elegance where others aim for volume. Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — on gravel and clay-limestone soils in Sarrians, organically farmed, harvested late. A wine that seduces from the very first sip.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a clear, luminous ruby — quintessentially Reynaud. The nose is open and inviting: red fruits, cherry, blackcurrant, pomegranate, delicate garrigue, a hint of licorice and black pepper. On the palate, round, soft and caressing — the warmth of the 2017 vintage gives the wine an immediate accessibility and an almost velvety texture that makes it fully delectable today. Fine, fully integrated tannins, fresh acidity, a long aromatic finish. Compared to the slightly more austere 2016, the 2017 is the more open, convivial brother — without losing any depth.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2025, optimal today

Perfect For

A relaxed dinner with good friends. Its open, fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with a herb-roasted chicken, a kid goat stew with vegetables, a grilled leg of lamb, or a creamy, spiced cheese like Reblochon or Banon.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge earns an average of 89 to 91 points from Wine-Searcher critics — consistently remarkable for a country wine from the hand of one of France's most respected winemakers. Connoisseurs worldwide describe it as the most fascinating entry point into the Reynaud universe: accessible, complex, unforgettable — and at a price that, given its origins, is frankly unjust.

• What is it? A warm, opulent vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — by Emmanuel Reynaud, the creator of Château Rayas.
• From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
• Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed.
• Tastes Like? Cherry, blackcurrant, pomegranate, garrigue, licorice and black pepper.
• Critics score? 89/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.

Emmanuel Reynaud — guardian of Château Rayas, the most sacred estate in the southern Rhône — produces under the Domaine des Tours label a wine that overturns everything one thinks one knows about French wine geography. A simple "Vin de Pays de Vaucluse" — no appellation, no prestige designation — built around a grape variety nobody expects in the Rhône Valley: Merlot, wrapped in Grenache, Counoise, Cinsault and Syrah. The 2016 vintage was cool and elegant, with perfect fruit ripeness and no excess — exactly what Reynaud's quiet philosophy demands. The result is a wine that connoisseurs regularly identify blind as a Burgundian Pinot Noir or a great Pomerol. And which arrives at a price that, given its quality and origin, is frankly scandalous.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, transparent ruby — the unmistakable Reynaud fingerprint. The nose is captivating: ripe red fruits, sour cherry, pomegranate, violet, sandalwood, garrigue and a delicate hint of moist tobacco and spice. On the palate, silky, caressing, medium-bodied with a remarkably fresh acidity and finely polished tannins. No heaviness, no extraction — pure, clear fruit carried by finesse. The finish is long, aromatic and mineral. A wine that unfolds hour by hour in the glass. At least one hour of decanting is strongly recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2026, at its peak

Perfect For

A relaxed but elegant dinner. Its silky, fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with a wood-fire entrecôte, a lamb tagine with herbs, duck breast with cherries, or a creamy aged goat's cheese such as Banon.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge 2016 earned 91 points from the Wine-Searcher critics average — remarkable for a simple country wine. James Suckling has raved about similar vintages of the same wine, describing the quality as "silky and caressing, with cherry, pomegranate and wild herbs — vivid and pristine, with a purity that explodes on the finish." Connoisseurs consistently name it one of the best value wines in the entire Rhône Valley — the entry ticket into the world of Rayas.

• What is it? France's most fascinating country wine — an IGP Vaucluse from the hand of the creator of Château Rayas, which drinks like a great Burgundy.
• From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
• Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed.
• Tastes Like? Sour cherry, pomegranate, violet, sandalwood, garrigue and moist tobacco.
• Critics score? 91/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.

Emmanuel Reynaud is the most discreet winemaker in the southern Rhône — and perhaps its greatest. Nephew of the legendary Jacques Reynaud of Château Rayas, he took over both the family estate Château des Tours and the mythical Rayas in 1997. His approach is unmistakable: old Grenache vines, organic farming, late harvest, zero compromise. The 2012 vintage in the southern Rhône was warm and dry, with excellent ripeness and preserved freshness — ideal for the Reynaud style, which combines power and elegance in a way found nowhere else in Vacqueyras. The result: a wine that connoisseurs identify blind as a Burgundy — and are left speechless when the truth is revealed.

What's it Like?

In the glass, it shows a surprisingly pale ruby with slight garnet nuances — far less colour than one would expect from a 15% Grenache from the southern Rhône. The nose is the house signature: moist tobacco, red berries, raspberry, cherry, licorice, truffle, herbes de Provence and an unmistakable hint of molasses. On the palate it is velvety, full-bodied and deep, carried by vibrant acidity and fine, fully integrated tannins. The finish is long, complex and aromatically persistent. With air, it unfolds hour by hour — at least one hour of decanting is strongly recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2028, at its peak

Perfect For

A Provençal feast with character. Its earthy, wild profile calls for slow-braised lamb with herbes de Provence, a kid goat ragù with olives and thyme, grilled duck breast, or a well-aged goat's cheese such as Pélardon.

The Critics Agree...

The 2012 Vacqueyras from Château des Tours earned 93 points on CellarTracker across 74 reviews — exceptional for a wine from this appellation. La Revue du Vin de France also awarded 93 points. Connoisseurs describe it as "a revelation — so light in colour, almost like a Burgundy. Nose all in finesse and red fruit. Superb. Burgundy from the southern Rhône." A statement that says everything.

• What is it? A cult wine from the southern Rhône by the nephew of the legendary Jacques Reynaud of Château Rayas — a Vacqueyras that drinks like a Burgundy.
• From? Vacqueyras, Southern Rhône, France (AOC).
• Grapes? 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah — from organically farmed vines.
• Tastes Like? Red berries, raspberry, cherry, moist tobacco, truffle, licorice and herbes de Provence.
• Critics score? 93/100 CellarTracker · 93/100 La Revue du Vin de France.

Since 1549, the Perrin family has cultivated an unmatched terroir at the northern tip of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation — large rolled pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone beneath, farmed organically since the 1960s. Château de Beaucastel is the only estate in the appellation to grow all 13 permitted grape varieties. The 2007 vintage is considered one of the greatest in the domaine's long history: scorching hot days and cool nights produced grapes of exceptional structure, fruit density and balance — a vintage that seems immune to time.

What's it Like?

In the glass, it shows a deep, almost black ruby. The nose reveals a glorious bouquet of blue and black fruits, truffle, ink, licorice, and meat juices. On the palate it is full-bodied and powerful, carried by a gorgeous, vibrant freshness. Today, firmly in its prime drinking window, it expresses itself with black raspberries, red plums, incense, herbes de Provence and leather at a depth that simply captivates.

Serving temperature: 17–18°C · Drinking window: now through 2030, at its peak

Perfect For

A classic Provençal feast. Its deep, earthy profile calls for slow-braised lamb with thyme and rosemary, a wild boar ragù with forest aromatics, or a well-aged Époisses de Bourgogne.

The Critics Agree...

Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate awarded 96 points, calling the 2007 "possibly their greatest vintage since 2001 and 1998" — a wine that "will age effortlessly for a minimum of two decades." The 2007 vintage features on the list of the greatest Beaucastel vintages ever produced.

• What is it? A mythical Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the most iconic estate in the Southern Rhône, now at its absolute peak.
• From? Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France (AOC).
• Grapes? 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault + 7 further varieties.
• Tastes Like? Black raspberry, plum, truffle, licorice, herbes de Provence, and leather.
• Critics score? 96/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.

What's it Like?

Deep, rich, and intensely aromatic. The nose is a complex, savory perfume of blackberry liqueur, roasted meats, black truffle, dried garrigue, and licorice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and dense, yet it retains a remarkable sense of elegance and lift. The tannins are velvety but firm, framing a core of dark fruit and earthy spices that lead into a remarkably long, savory finish.

Perfect For

A luxurious autumnal or winter dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb with rosemary, game meats like venison, or a rich, earthy mushroom stew.

The Critics Agree...

Critics lauded the 2017 for its depth and structural integrity. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 97 points, praising its "meaty, earthy, and spicy" profile and noting its "fabulous concentration." It is universally recognized as a vintage that is built for the cellar and will age effortlessly for decades.

• What is it? A legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape blending all 13 allowed grape varieties.

• From? Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Rhône Valley), France.

• Grapes? Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, and others.

• Tastes Like? Blackberry, roasted meat, black truffle, licorice, and dried herbs.

What's it Like?

This is a wine of shattering intensity. It pours an opaque, inky black. The nose is a profound abyss of black truffle, blackberry liqueur, dark chocolate, and hot iron (blood orange), with a distinct mineral streak of wet slate. On the palate, it is colossal and full-bodied, coating the mouth with layers of rich, concentrated fruit and velvet-like tannins. Despite its immense power and alcohol, it maintains a strange, magical balance and freshness derived from its icy, windy terroir.

Perfect For

The adventurous collector looking for a unique experience. This is a "meditation wine" to be sipped slowly on its own, or paired with the richest, most intense game dishes, such as jugged hare (Lièvre à la Royale) or wild boar stew.

The Pros Agree...

Critics were left speechless by the 2009. The Wine Advocate (Jeb Dunnuck) awarded it a staggering score, calling it "one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted from the Roussillon." He praised its "off-the-charts richness" and notes of "cassis, melted licorice, toasted spice and chocolate," concluding that it is a "monumental effort."

• What is it? A cult-status, monumental, and ultra-concentrated Grenache.

• From? Côtes du Roussillon Villages (Roussillon), France.

• Grapes? Grenache Noir (with a touch of Syrah/Mourvèdre).

• Tastes Like? Black truffle, blackberry liqueur, dark chocolate, and iron.