Château de Rayne Vigneau 2006

A monolithic style of wine that doesn’t display much complexity, this has plenty of honeyed sweetness, very good acidity, and medium to full body, but even with coaxing, the nuances and aromatic refinements don’t seem to emerge. This is a chunky, fleshy wine that should age for 10-15 years and hopefully gain more complexity.

Pineapple skin, spice and honey aromas follow through to a full body, with a medium sweet palate, a medium finish and a lemon peel and honey aftertaste. Best after 2010.

86–88 Barrel sample. Rich, concentrated, but with some sugar water element, this is mitigated by its impressive fresh acidity.

Mid coppery. Lightly cheesy nose and then very mellow burnt-caramel unctuousness on the palate. Lots of interest here. A serious wine. Long, layered. Lively. (JR)

Very pale yellow, already bright. Delicate, mineral bouquet showing fine breeding, with floral notes, salad burnet and fruit blossoms. A refined, elegant palate with silky tannins and well-integrated acidity; the finish has a chalky shimmer with a medicinal aftertaste.

Very pale yellow, already bright. A delicate, mineral bouquet showing fine breed, with floral notes, salad burnet, fruit blossoms. Refined, elegant palate, silky tannins, finely integrated acidity; the finish reveals a chalky touch with a medicinal aftertaste.

Fragrant, fresh bouquet with apricot and mint. Full, velvety, opulent palate with rich sweetness and little acidity. Broad finish. 17/20 2016 - 2030

Inviting notes of toasted almonds, Ricola sweets, lemongrass and chamomile in the bouquet of the 2006, which also reveals a hint of raspberries. Medium-bodied, the wine is nonetheless harmonious. It is subtly sweet, but tends to remain discreet on the palate. A wine best enjoyed now, as it is unlikely to improve much further. It is good, and it is time to drink it!

Same score as the one given en primeur. Pale green colour; a fruity, delicate nose with candied fruit notes, spice and a slight hint of menthol. The attack is immediately refined, and the wine develops with roundness, a supple texture and aromatic character, with a medium body and average length. Hints of citrus on the finish.