Importer Notes: Somewhat reclusive and to be found working his vineyards at most any time of day, every day, Emmanuel did not revel in the fame and notoriety that came with making such sought-after and acclaimed wines. Instead, he continued to quietly but successfully carry the mantle of his famous forebears, producing hauntingly aromatic wines at his three estates: Château Rayas, Château des Tours, and Château de Fonsalette.

Located in Sarrians, just outside Vacqueyras, the Reynaud family purchased Château des Tours in 1935. The old house is flanked on both sides by tall towers (hence “des Tours”). This is Emmanuel's family estate, which he took over from his father, Bernard, in 1989. Emmanuel was at heart a farmer, and here he grows food for his family — olives, grains, and, importantly, grapes. Like all Reynaud vineyards, these are tended with the same organic methods, manually plowed, all hand-harvested much later than other producers, and centered around a reverence for old-vine Grenache. With 40 hectares of vineyards surrounding the house, Emmanuel produced Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône, and Vin De Pays, all from estate fruit.

Grenache, Counoise, Syrah, Cinsault, Merlot aged for 12 months, with the Merlot aged in barriques (30% new).