2016 Rayne Vigneau
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Château de Rayne-Vigneau has much more reduction on the nose compared with its peers, dried honey and fig, just a hint of saffron. The palate is well balanced, with touches of gingerbread and molasses. Fine weight and density, though it feels more mature than expected on the finish. Not bad, but this is another Sauternes missing the freshness that it showed in 2020. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Rayne-Vigneau has a generous bouquet featuring flecks of white chocolate, quince and orange pith, and just a light smokiness in the background. The palate is very well balanced with a tangy marmalade and ginger opening. Delivering fine cohesion, plenty of vigor and great intensity on the finish, this is certainly one of the superior Sauternes of the vintage. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Tasted blind. Real interest and freshness. Peachy and well balanced. Intense, long and very clean and refreshing. Pure Sauternes with great balance. Complete. (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.