Rayne Vigneau 2006

Tasted at the Sauternes 2006 ten-year on horizontal in Bordeaux. The 2006 Rayne-Vigneau displayed a rather odd oyster shell, marine influence on the nose that made it feel like a botrytis-affected Muscadet? I suppose that could be pleasant on occasion. The palate is better with marmalade and apricot notes, quite edgy and tensile, although it is not the most concentrated on the finish. Probably mature now, it should continue to offer drinking pleasure for the next 15-20 years.

Already clear and pretty light gold. Rather pungent and tangy. Interesting. Not heavy but clearly a fine expression of the vintage - some greenness but not skinny. Very lively with good attack even if not for the long term. Clean.

Golden-orange color. Expressive, oak-influenced aromas of mirabelle, marzipan and clove. A chewy, moderately concentrated midweight with nice balance but modest complexity to its peach, citrus and fruit salad flavors. Not a particularly opulent or large-scaled wine, this should evolve fairly quickly.

The 2006 Rayne-Vigneau has a more conservative bouquet compared to both the 2004 and 2005 with dried honey, incense, almond and melted candle wax aromas that show crisp definition and open nicely during aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive density and cohesion, a touch of more viscosity than the 2005 with layers of orange peel, apricot and honey toward the primal finish. Superb. Drink now-2028. Tasted April 2013.