Rayne Vigneau 2005

The 2005 Rayne-Vigneau displays superb levels of botrytis on the complex bouquet - dried honey, dried quince, apricot blossom and minerals. The palate is very well-balanced with a little more race than the 2004. It is not a powerful or ambitious Sauternes, but it is well behaved with an almost understated, pure, mellifluous finish. This is very seductive, though it should reward cellaring for several years. Drink now-2028. Tasted April 2013.

Pale to medium lemon-gold in color, the 2005 de Rayne Vigneau gives up intense lime cordial and preserved lemons scents with hints of chalk dust, straw, and mandarin peel. The palate delivers loads of zip and zing, with citrus preserves and a lifted finish.

Tasted blind. Notably pale lemon gold. Lots of citrus acidity. A tad simple. Box-ticking rather than intense and exciting. Hint of caramel.
Drink 2016-2028

Fairly pale yellow with a green tinge. Aromas of peach nectar, mirabelle and dusty ginger. Spicy and firm on the palate, with modest complexity to the flavors of candied stone fruits. Not a particularly glyceral style. The dusty ginger notes recurs on the back.

It is a pleasure to record that this famous old cru has really reclaimed its position after several years of steady progress. The fruit is both intense and very scented may blossom on the nose. The wine is particularly complex with lovely vinosity and concentration; great purity of fruit and finesse %u2013 a great Sauternes. 5 stars