1959 Rayne Vigneau

The cellars at Rayne-Vigneau were broken into during the 1990s, so to have one of the very few remaining bottles from their library stock was a privilege. The 1959 has a limpid golden hue that you could just stare at all day. The bouquet has held up extremely well over 54 years with scents of dried fig, syrup, wild honey and a faint hint of pine needles: all beautifully defined and so fresh and vital. The palate is extremely well-balanced with a noticeable bead of acidity that cuts through the notes of fresh apricot, mango, spice and walnut. There is just a slight Aszu note on the finish that lends it more complexity. This is utterly sublime, and dare I say, challenges the supremacy of the finest Sauternes ‘59s I have tasted, namely Yquem and Suduiraut. This is quite simply sensational. Tasted April 2013.