2006 Chateau Rayas La Pialade Cotes du Rhone

I stumbled across this at Bauer Wine and Spirits, it was the last bottle and there was a hand-written shelf-talker stating that it was "peaking".  Add to this situation the producer and I knew I had a bottle for the evening.  As it turns out, this was a wonderful find.  It's some seriously good juice with deft aromas of fruit, spices, intermixed with earthy elements; even lavender-like, aromas on the second pass.  Superb on the palate: light-bodied, well-balanced; nice acidity, depth, and finish.  A grown-up, seductive Cotes du Rhone and a display of the pedigree one can expect from such an esteemed producer.