Chateau de Rayne Vigneau 2009 Sauternes Review By Bill Blatch

Chateau de Rayne Vigneau 2009 Sauternes was a return to an older style, rich Sauternes but with a modern edge.

 

If you stopped in the vineyards somewhere in the middle of Sauternes and asked an old fella pruning the vines  

"which do you think is the best potential vineyard after Yquem in Sauternes?"

they will invariaiabley answer Rayne Vigneau.  It is a fantastic vineyard making superlative wines.

 

For the past 20 years Rayne Vigneau have been making a little bit lighter wines than they did during the 1950's and 1960's. It was a decision that was slightly at odds with the rest of Sauternes which was generally getting sweeter.

 

In 1997 Rayne Vigneau produced a much richer wine, but then again took the decision to go back to a lighter style Sauternes.

 

However, the 2009 Chateau de Rayne Vigneau is a very rich style and really this is the Rayne Vigneau as I imagine it use to be, but of course in a much more modern way. 

 

Its got that lovely modern minty, fresh, fragrant aroma, with beautiful botrytis.

 

The 2009 Rayne Vigneau was well priced, making it a good deal and a Sauternes that people wanted to buy. 

 

Sales at En Primeur went very well, perhaps because at the trade tastings everybody recognised that Chateau de Rayne Vigneau were back on track.

 

Watch Bill Blatch's wine video to find out why this Bordeaux expert has selected Chateau de Rayne Vigneau as a best buy Sauternes from the 2009 Sauternes en primeur releases.