Baby Rayas

Picked up a 2019 Château des Tours Vacqueyras on a tip from Graham at Le Pont, and it might just be the most elegant Rhône wine I’ve had outside of Rayas territory. Made by the same winemaker, Emmanuel Reynaud, this bottle is all strawberries, cherries, and supple leather wrapped in balance and finesse. At $250 AUD, it’s no bargain bin find but compared to Château Rayas, it’s a downright steal. Here's why collectors jump on it, how it stacks up to the more common Brouilly, and why it’s worth getting to know your local wine shop owner.