CHATEAU DE RAYNE VIGNEAU

Over 200 years ago, Château de Rayne Vigneau was said to be the second-best producer of Sauternes (surely a galling position to be in for a French winemaker). Only Château d'Yquem was considered to be its superior.

Located directly next door to that legendary estate, Château de Rayne Vigneau resides upon a large 83.7 hectare property and is classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé. The terroir is sand, clay and gravel, although legend has it that there are gemstones (or at least semi-precious stones) scattered through them thar hills that account for the wine's incredible golden hues. As long as they don't stick in the throat, we're fine with that.

Using a blend of 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc vines, the wines are quite moderately priced for Sauternes and, since 2005, increasingly popular as the current owners have injected renewed impetus and upped the ante.