Le Sec de Rayne Vigneau label
Le Sec de Rayne Vigneau bottle

Le Sec de Rayne Vigneau 2018

  • Producer Aquitaine
  • Blend 100% Sauvignon Blanc
  • Appellation Bordeaux
  • UPC 8 73969 00184 6
White Wine

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Item# 12913-18

Product Ratings

Robert Parker 89-91pt

Background

Chateau Rayne Vigneau is a 1st growth Sauternes classified in 1855. Located in the prestigious village of Bommes, which has the highest concentration of 1st growths in the Sauternes appellation, its 84 hectares of vineyards have an exceptional lie on a splendid gravel mound, forming the third highest point in the area after Yquem. The estate has been producing wines since it was founded by Gabriel de Vigneau in the early 17th century. In 1834, Madame de Rayne, nee Catherine de Pontac and a member of the very old aristocratic de Pontac family that owned many estates in Bordeaux (including Chateau Haut Brion), acquired Domaine du Vigneau. Under her ownership, the estate reached the envied rank of premier Grand Cru Classe of Sauternes in the famous 1855 classification. Albert de Pontac, great nephew of Madame de Rayne, re-named the domain "Rayne Vigneau". The chateau also produces a very small quantity (3,000 cases) of an exceptional dry white wine. Le Sec de Rayne Vigneau comes from 7 hectares on the estate that are dedicated to just dry white production. This is unusual because most Sauternes estates will produce dry white wines from the berries that have not been attacked by botrytis. However, Rayne Vigneau's philosophy to make dry white wines from parcels that are cultivated to make just dry whites produces a superior white wine and probably one of the top dry white wines from Bordeaux.
In 2002, the entire estate benefitted from a restructuring of the vineyards and the construction of a 100% temperature controlled fermentation facility and aging cellar. These 7 hectares (along with the other 77 hectares used for the Sauternes) have benefited from substantial investments carried out at the property based on the work and study of the terroir conducted by the expert Xavier Chone. Plots of insufficient density were replanted; rootstock and clones were matched to the terroir; 12 hectares were uprooted, while only four hectares were replanted; the canopy was raised for superior photosynthesis. Anne Le Naour, the up-and-coming star in Bordeaux, who spent a decade with Bernard Magrez (Pape Clement) is the resident winemaker and Hubert de Bouard, owner of Chateau Angelus, is the consultant oenologist.

Vinification

- Manual harvest
- Grapes are quickly and lightly pressed after a period of pre-fermentation maceration.
- Vinification in temperature-controlled oak vats, equipped with paddles, enabling maturing on fine lees and regular stirring.

Viticulture

7 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc are dedicated exclusively to the production of this exceptional dry wine. These parcels were selected for their ability to produce great Sauvignon Blancs, and are wholly enclosed within the vineyards of Rayne Vigneau.
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Agriculture Raisonnée certification (Sustainable Viticulture) since 2007
- Average age of vine: 25 years
- Average yields: 35 hl/ha
- Parcel management of soil and vineyard.
- The soil of these vineyards, mainly gravel and sand with clay subsoil, is rich in agates, amethysts, onyx, and even sapphires.