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Chateau de Fonsalette (Rayas) Cotes du Rhone Reserve 1998

$54999

A cult bottle from the Reynaud family — the same hands behind the legendary Chateau Rayas. Chateau de Fonsalette is their Côtes du Rhône property, and the Cuvée Réserve is the top wine: Grenache-dominant (50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah), made with the same obsessive low-yield, old-vine approach that defines Rayas. Often called 'baby Rayas,' though that undersells how singular it is. At 27 years old, the 1998 is fully mature — a quiet, profound bottle of Rhône that has shed its baby fat and shows the wild herbs, smoke, and earth that make Reynaud wines so addictive.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

Returns & Exchanges

We stand behind every bottle we sell.

  • If the wine is less than 10 years old and it is corked, you may return it to us for a full refund or exchange within 60 days of purchase. You must show us proof of purchase. We understand that you may not live near a shop and that it is difficult to ship open bottles of wine to us, so if there's any problem feel free to Contact Us and we'll work it out.
  • For wines older than 10 years, the consumer bears the risk of a faulty cork, but we accept returns of older bottles if the wine is faulty as a result of improper storage. Please come by the store or Contact Us if there is a problem.
  • We may, at our discretion and to the extent permitted by law, accept returns of unopened wines within 30 days of purchase if they were properly stored by the purchaser, subject to a 15% re-stocking fee.

View our complete return policy →

Have Questions?

Our team is here to help.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm

Saturday: 12pm - 5pm

CLOSED SUNDAYS

Email: help@flatiron-wines.com
Phone: (415) 780-1405


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Antonio Galloni

88 points

"Bright deep red. Reticent but superripe aromas of strawberry and pepper. Supple and intensely fruity in the mouth, with complicating notes of spice and pepper. Finishes with dusty tannins and very good persistence. Serious Cotes du Rhone." —Stephen Tanzer

Robert Parker

90 points

"The 1998 Fonsalette Côtes du Rhone is dark ruby/purple-tinged and tannic. The attack and mid-palate reveal rich, concentrated, peppery, earthy fruit. Most readers would probably assume the Cotes du Rhone will be ready to drink at an early age, but this full-bodied, dense, structured 1998 requires 3-4 years of cellaring."

Wine Spectator

93 points

"Gorgeous and unique. Thick and silky, it's loaded with rich fruit, licorice, lead-pencil, mineral and dried plum character. Full-bodied, it manages to explode with fresh, vibrant and succulent flavors."

More about Chateau de Fonsalette

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Syrah

  • Vintage

    1998

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Organic

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Medium Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Roast lamb with herbs de Provence, braised oxtail, wild mushroom risotto, or aged Tomme.

Tasting Profile

Full-bodied, mature, savory: dried black fruit, smoked meat, garrigue, leather, truffle. Long, layered finish.

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