2020 Château Rayne-Vigneau
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Château de Rayne Vigneau is more tight and inward, yet it certainly has potential. Ripe, honeyed lemons, orange zest, and caramelized pineapple define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a focused, nicely balanced mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. Give it a few more years and it should cruise for at least two decades. Drink 2026-2046.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Fresh lemon aroma without obvious botrytis character. A touch of dried grasses. Sweet and viscous and fresh enough. A bit flat on the finish. (JH)
The 2020 Château de Rayne-Vigneau doesn't quite have the amplitude of the de Fargues. This is more backward at the moment, opening with subtle resinous/lanolin scents. The palate is well balanced with a viscous texture. It’s notably spicy, edged with Seville orange marmalade and apricot notes toward the finish. This is a classy number. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
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.