Chateau de Rayne Vigneau 2014

The vineyard of Château de Rayne Vigneau is settled on a magnificent knoll, overlooking the Sauternais, the third highest summit after Château d'Yquem. This year, in a vintage judged of pure Botrytis, the harvests took place in 3 successive pickings ( from September 16th to October 23rd) in order to harvest acidity, freshness and condensation at the same time. Raygne Vigneau 2014 is a blend of 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The robe has a lemon yellow reflection. On the nose, it has a great finesse and offers a spicy character (ginger) followed by orange and bergamot notes which give a feeling of freshness. On the mouth, a lace of citrus fruit is built through a subtil and elegant touch. The fresh mango, the candied ginger and the green tea then bring complexity to this sauternes which surprises by an extremely fresh aromatic round-trip. With a surprising tension, the backbone is the very image of this wine: it combines strength and softness. A great success!

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The Château Rayne-Vigneau 2014 could be one of the standouts of the vintage. It was showing a little new oak on the nose, though readers should note that this sample was taken from a new Burgundy barrel. There are touches of vanilla infusing the honeyed fruit. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry. This is very balanced and poised with superb tension, energetic but classy, a sophisticated Sauternes that feels persistent and long in the mouth. Talented winemaker Anne Le Naour has crafted another beauty from this estate that deserves more respect.