The 2009 Rayne-Vigneau is one of the stars of the vintage. It has a very well defined, almost understated nose with white peach, apricot and lime leaf: very pretty and succinct. The palate is very well balanced, beautifully defined with real minerality showing through the viscous, botrytized fruit. Great tension here, effortlessly counterbalancing the richness to perfection.

Pale gold colored, the 2009 Rayne-Vigneau is revealing scents of broom, green tea, fragrant earth and candied citrus peel with touches of Manuka honey and crème caramel. The evolving palate has a pleasant nuttiness complimenting the hedonic dried berry layers, finishing earthy/savory.

Mid gold; quite rich and full and with good defining acidity; good flavour and length, but just lacking the concentration, raciness and class that would put it in the very top rank. Which is where it should be, given its quite magnificent terroir. 2017-30