2005 Rayne Vigneau
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,402 g. Pale marmalade colour. Not much nose – just a hint of burnt caramel. Lots of sweetness but the sugar/acid balance is fine though I think this may be a little too young, amazingly! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Notably pale lemon gold. Lots of citrus acidity. A tad simple. Box-ticking rather than intense and exciting. Hint of caramel. (JR)
Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 Château de Rayne-Vigneau has a waxy, dried pineapple, honey and petrol-tinged bouquet that gains vigor in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with plenty of botrytis: very harmonious with honeyed fruit laced with dried orange peel, quince and ginger. This builds extremely well in the mouth and fans out in glorious fashion on the finish. This is an excellent Sauternes that should give 20 or 30 years of pleasure.
Tight and toasty nose – quite complete though not especially subtle or layered. Quite long though with some substance. Just enough freshness... (JR)
About the producer
The 1855 classification placed Ch. de Rayne Vigneau just behind Ch. d’Yquem – also a nearby neighbour. Its 84-hectare vineyard sits in a single block on gravel mounds, overlooking the Ciron in Sauternes, and producing impressive sweet wines.