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.

Robert Parker once called Jean-François Coche-Dury "one of the greatest winemakers on planet Earth." No other estate in the Côte de Beaune — with the possible exception of Leroy and Romanée-Conti — is spoken of with such reverence. And yet: their most accessible red wine comes not from Meursault, not from Volnay, but from the modest Auxey-Duresses — a small valley west of Meursault, whose steep limestone hillsides and cool microclimate give the Pinot Noir a freshness and minerality unthinkable in warmer sites. The 2022 vintage in the Côte de Beaune was warm and sunny — one of the greatest in recent years, with ripe, intense fruit and a structure that left experts in awe. In Coche-Dury's hands, this became an Auxey-Duresses Rouge of exceptional elegance, depth and complexity — a red wine that reveals the secret of why this estate has remained unmatched for decades.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a luminous, medium ruby with violet reflections — young, vivid, expressive. The nose is seductive: ripe red cherries, raspberry, fresh strawberry, delicate violets and rose blossom, underpinned by a hint of forest floor, spice and a delicate mineral depth from the limestone terroir of Auxey-Duresses. On the palate, medium-bodied, silky and precise — the unmistakable Coche-Dury signature. The tannins are fine and fully integrated, the acidity fresh and lively, the finish long, aromatic and minerally persistent. A Pinot Noir of Burgundian purity, simultaneously accessible and profound.

Serving temperature: 15–16°C · Drinking window: 2025–2035, optimal from 2026

Perfect For

An elegant Burgundy dinner. Its precise, fresh profile pairs beautifully with a herb-butter roasted Poulet de Bresse, a beef fillet with truffle sauce, duck breast with cherries, or a well-aged Époisses de Bourgogne.

The Critics Agree...

Coche-Dury is the second most searched estate in Auxey-Duresses on Wine-Searcher worldwide. The Auxey-Duresses Rouge is among the most coveted entry-level wines in all of Burgundy — not because it is inexpensive, but because it occupies a level in the estate's quality hierarchy that no other producer can offer at this tier. Connoisseurs describe it as "subtle and delicate, perfect for extended cellaring" — carrying the same signature as the estate's great Premier Crus.

• What is it? The most accessible Pinot Noir of Burgundy's most prestigious estate — full Coche-Dury signature from the coolest valley in the appellation.
• From? Auxey-Duresses, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France (AOC).
• Grapes? 100% Pinot Noir — old vines, low yields, whole-bunch component for floral complexity.
• Tastes Like? Red cherry, raspberry, violet, rose blossom, forest floor and limestone minerality.
• Critics score? Cult status — second most searched wine from Auxey-Duresses worldwide.

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.

In the world of wine, Emmanuel Reynaud is thought of first in red. In Grenache Noir. In Rayas. In that Provençal, almost Burgundian finesse that gives his red wines their inimitable character. And then there is the White. The quiet counterpart. The other face of the genius.

The 2021 vintage in the southern Rhône was fresh and balanced — after the extreme heat of 2020, a welcome return towards elegance and tension. For the Grenache Blanc, growing on the limestone and sandy soils of Sarrians, 2021 was a dream year: aromatic intensity, cool acidity, creamy texture — everything in equilibrium. The result is a white wine found nowhere else: opulent and taut at the same time, generous and fresh, a wine that confuses — and captivates.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, luminous gold with slight green hints — clean and limpid. The nose is expressive and complex: juicy pear, white peach, orange zest, almond blossom, acacia honey. With air, dry herbs, fennel and a fine saline mineral note appear, recalling the limestone terroir. On the palate, broad and enveloping, with a generous, fruity substance carried by remarkable freshness and tension. The texture is velvety, the finish long, mineral and slightly saline. A wine that feels weightless and yet profound.

Serving temperature: 12–14°C · Drinking window: now through 2030, optimal 2024–2028

Perfect For

Southern gastronomy and beyond. Its creamy, mineral structure pairs beautifully with grilled sea bass with fennel and lemon, scallops with truffle butter, a lobster risotto, a Provençal vegetable gratin, or a creamy aged goat's cheese such as Picodon.

The Critics Agree...

The Les Tours Grenache Blanc from Domaine des Tours earns an average of 89.5 points on CellarTracker — remarkable for a country wine. Connoisseurs worldwide describe it as "not really comparable with anything else" — heady like a white Rhône, floral like a Loire, simultaneously heavy and light. A paradox in the glass. And one of the most exciting white bottles the Rhône Valley has to offer.

• What is it? France's most fascinating white country wine — 100% Grenache Blanc from the hand of the creator of Château Rayas, one of the world's greatest white wines.
• From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
• Grapes? 100% Grenache Blanc — old vines, organically farmed on limestone and sandy soils.
• Tastes Like? White peach, pear, orange zest, almond blossom, honey, fennel and minerality.
• Critics score? 89.5/100 CellarTracker 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.

The 2013 vintage is described in some circles as "the last pre-climate change vintage" — a turning point in the history of Champagne. After a cold, wet winter and a very rainy spring, an exceptionally hot and sunny summer — the sunniest on record in the region — rescued the vintage and transformed it into something exceptional. 2013 was the last October harvest in the region, and the grapes' long hang-time translated to brilliant complexity — nature's patience as winemaker. Vinous considers 2013 the finest Champagne vintage of the decade, and Dom Pérignon produced a bottle that has left critics around the world in awe.

What's it Like?

In the glass, it shows a luminous pale gold with an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. The nose reveals a delicate bouquet of eucalyptus, mint, vetiver, mirabelle plum, apricot and orange blossom. On the palate, flavours of citrus, vegetal facets, spices and a saline hint follow with remarkable precision. Chef de Cave Vincent Chaperon uses the French word "épure" to describe this wine: from the attack to the finish, a simple and precise line — like a classical marble sculpture. The texture is silky and creamy, the acidity vivid and precise. A Champagne that is both immediately accessible and profoundly deep — a rare combination.

Serving temperature: 8–10°C · Drinking window: now through 2037+, at its peak

Perfect For

An exceptional celebration. Its elegant, precise profile pairs beautifully with a classic Lobster Thermidor, scallops with truffle and brown butter, a refined sashimi, or a well-aged Comté — but it is equally unforgettable as a pure aperitif when the occasion demands nothing less.

The Critics Agree...

James Suckling awarded 98 points, calling it "driven and serious — so sleek and sophisticated. Elegant. Yet long and powerful, with a sharp minerality." Wine Spectator gave 96 points for its "crystalline structure" and "long, creamy, mineral-laced finish." The Wine Advocate awarded 95 points, calling it "a lovely wine defined by the long, cool growing season." Decanter named it "among the finest Dom Pérignon releases of recent times."

• What is it? The finest Champagne vintage of the decade according to Vinous — and possibly the last great example of the classic, cool Champagne style.
• From? Champagne, France (AOC) — exclusively from the 17 Grands Crus and the Premier Cru of Hautvillers.
• Grapes? 51% Chardonnay, 49% Pinot Noir.
• Tastes Like? Apricot, citrus, orange blossom, toasted brioche, chalk and minerality.
• Critics score? 98/100 James Suckling · 96/100 Wine Spectator · 95/100 Wine Advocate · 95–98/100 Essi Avellan MW.