The 2007 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc offers copious quantities of honeysuckle, white currants, citrus, and a hint of butter in its full-bodied, chewy, lush personality. After going through a transitional period after Jacques Reynaud died in 1997, it is safe to say that his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, has returned this venerable estate to its previous level of high quality. While Chateauneuf du Pape is a warm appellation, Rayas is situated in a cool micro-climate, and is undoubtedly not an easy property to maintain. It is also known for its sandy soils, which are in total contrast to the rock-strewn plateau a half mile to the east, west, and south. Two utterly profound Rayas Chateauneuf du Papes have been produced recently, the 2005 and 2007. 2007 is a superb vintage at Chateau RayasImporter: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400