Château de Rayne Vigneau 2003

Compared to a bottle tasted earlier the same morning, I notice a more petrol-like scent emerging, a touch of reduction that manifests a minty, almost leathery note. The palate is medium-bodied with mango and banana skin on the entry. It is missing a little acidity, although it musters more freshness toward the finish, with adequate if not extraordinary levels of botrytis. Drink now-2018. Tasted April 2013.

Aromas of apples and dried pineapples carry through to a full-bodied palate, yet it’s spicy and lively with a long, long finish. Very exciting. Lots of lemon curd and richness on the finish. Much better than from barrel. And better than the 2001. Best after 2010. 10,000 cases made.

Light gold. Rather simple. Limpid. Very, very sweet. Slightly burnt. Massive again, but may lack enough acidity for the long term. (JR)

For some reason, I seldom taste this wine, which is a shame as it can be quite good and sells for a fair price. Lush, juicy layers of overripe pineapple, lemon rind, apricot and marmalade drenched in honey, topped with coconut and vanilla and honeysuckle are found in each sip, swirl and sniff.

Bright deep golden colour. The nose has complexity and evolution, some earthy notes, chestnut, smoke, spice box and confit of apricot. The palate has density and grip with an approaching maturity, good level of sweetness turning slightly into caramel, fresh backbone, nice candied citrus, pepper and vanilla notes followed by a long and dense finish. Good drinkability and maturity.

Medium, bright yellow. Delicate bouquet, stewed peach, very elegant on the nose. On the palate, pure nonchalance, silky texture, finely creamy, delicate finish with a subtle hint of bitter almond.

04: Medium, bright yellow. Fine bouquet of cooked peaches; very elegant on the nose. On the palate, pure nonchalance; silky texture, finely creamy, with a delicate finish and a subtle hint of bitter almond. 18/20 2008–2040

Sensual, opulent bouquet, dried apricots, mirabelles. Creamy, dense, sumptuous palate with a creamy texture, varied sweet aromatics, very long, velvety finish. 19/20 drink - 2040

Reserved, confit-like nose, powerful but with a burning sensation of alcohol, and lacking aromatic diversity. A monolithic wine whose development in bottle will be worth following.

It veers toward saffron, with a rich, liqueur-like grip where a fairly strong sweetness dominates, forming a ball of fruit on the palate. Slightly fortifying.

The 2003 reveals notes of lemongrass and crema catalana, complemented by a touch of green tea and dried apricots. On the palate, sweetness leads the wine, but without excess. It is well supported by fine bitters, while the acid structure works in the background. When you consider that most 2003s should have been past their peak long ago, one must remember that it’s better to drink a wine than merely talk about it. A seductive and persistent wine.

Copper hue. Intense nose with very ripe fruit. Hint of melon. A touch of Scotch tape on swirling. Palate with a melting, airy body, becoming very savory from mid-palate through the finish. Complex and even noble persistence.