The intensity and delicacy of a Sauternes Classified First Growth

The estate
Chateau de Rayne Vigneau is located in the commune of Bomme, in the Sauternes appellation. Founded in the 17th century, the estate has passed through the hands of several famous families, including the Pontac family, closely linked to the fine wines of Bordeaux. Today the chateau belongs to the Trésor du Patrimoine group.

The vineyard
The Rayne-Vigneau vineyard covers some 84 hectares on a hill overlooking the Sauternes region. This vineyard is planted on a mosaic of terroirs. At higher altitudes, we find clayey-gravelly soils, while the vines at lower altitude are planted in clayey-sandy soils with lacustrine limestone subsoils. The vineyard is managed with a sustainable viticulture with intra-plot management.

The blend
Sauvignon blanc, sémillon, muscadelle

The winemaking
Manual harvest by successive sorting. Delicate pressing. Vinification in new barrels.

The aging

Aging for 18 months in oak barrels, 30% of which are new.

The tasting
The intense nose is powerful and tense. The bouquet reveals aromas of orange peel, pear and elderberry. Aromas of lychee, characteristic of Rayne Vigneau, come through to charm the nose after the wine is swirled, along with linden blossom and honeysuckle. On the palate, the attack is fine and delicate, eventually increasing in tension. This is a straight-forward wine with a perfect structure. The Chateau de Rayne Vigneau 2019 reveals a surprising length upon a well-defined structure.

Review by Robert Parker And Reated 94-96 Point