The 1959 Rayne-Vigneau has been one of my favorite Sauternes since I tasted it at the property in 2013. This bottle replicates that performance. It is limpid gold in color, and the bouquet explodes with scents of acacia honey, fig, quince and (still) that faint pine cone scent, all displaying wonderful vigor and vitality. The palate is succinctly balanced with a fine bead of acidity, notes of mango, dried honey and smoked walnut segueing into an aszú-like finish that fans out with confidence. Immense. This would seriously challenge the 1959 Yquem. (NM)