The 2011 Rayne-Vigneau delivers expressive notes of fungi, damp earth and truffles over a core of sultanas, allspice, apricot preserves and dried pineapple. Very ripe, rich and opulent in the mouth, the decadent fruit is nicely off-set by a compelling backbone of freshness and plenty of earthy layers, finishing with a lingering musk perfume.

Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. The Ch?teau Rayne-Vigneau 2011 has a more resinous bouquet than the Rieussec ’11: hints of lanolin and smoked walnut infusing the honeyed fruit and lending complexity and personality. The palate is fresh on the entry with crisp acidity. There is fine tension here, neatly counterbalancing the strong botrytized fruit and it fans out wonderfully on the finish. It needs more bottle age to develop personality, but from this foundation it is set to become a Sauternes from the top drawer.

The Rayne-Vigneau has a seductive nose with tropical fruit, vanilla and coconut aromas that seek to entrance from first acquaintance. At the moment, the oak is noticeable but it should assimilate by the time of bottling. The palate is very precise with fine minerality and tension on the entry. It has outstanding focus and linearity before fanning out with a peacock’s tail of quince and marmalade on the long, viscous finish. This is an excellent wine that gets better and better in the glass. Drink 2014-2035.