2020 Château Rayas La Pialade Côtes du Rhône

La Pialade is the entry point into the Reynaud family's Rayas estate, made in the same cellars and with the same philosophy as the grand Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself, but sourced from declassified parcels and younger vines at Rayas and Fonsalette. The 2020 blend runs 80% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah, with the Grenache split between Rayas and Fonsalette fruit. Each variety is fermented separately in the estate's ancient 80 to 100 year old foudres before being assembled in enamel-lined tanks and bottled. 2020 was a warm, relatively low-yielding vintage in the Southern Rhône, and in Emmanuel Reynaud's hands that translates here into a wine with a touch more depth and ripeness than some recent vintages, while keeping the signature Rayas lightness of touch. Expect a pale, garnet-tinged color and a perfumed nose of red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, layered with white pepper, dried herbs, leather, and a faint smoky or earthy edge. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with bright acidity, fine but present tannins, and a long, savory finish that belies its modest appellation.