“The 2011 Rieussec, a blend of 95% Semillon, 2% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle is an absolute dream. There is wonderful precision and mineralité on the nose, the new oak more integrated than a few months ago. The palate is beautifully balanced with clear honey, brioche and pralines, a sensual Rieussec that is utterly charming, hints of nougat and almond lingering on the long finish. Gorgeous!” ~ Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes
Colour: Bright pale gold.
Aroma: Floral nose of acacia, fresh pears and then candied apricots. Layers of complex botrytis give this wine an immensely aromatic character.
Palate: The palate starts off very well-rounded and then becomes tighter and more minerally, with a long finish expressing well-developed fruity notes. It is sumptuous and generous, ripe and full-bodied. The essential acidity comes through the dry structure of botrytis and sweet honey. The fruit is only just beginning to show and the wine is obviously very young. Drink from 2022.
Grape Varieties: 95% Semillon, 2% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle
Awards: 97pts James Suckling, 96pts Wine Spectator, 95pts Wine Enthusiast, 95pts Wine Advocate-Parker
History of Chateau Rieussec
Château Rieussec is one of the richest and most exotic of all Sauternes, producing particularly good wines in the late 1980s and the mid 1990s. Rieussec has been owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild since 1985 and is located at one of the highest points of Sauternes in the village of Fargues where its vineyards border those of Château d`Yquem.
Rieussec’s 75 hectares of vineyards are planted with 89% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle. Yields are low and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and oak casks before being matured in oak barriques (70% new) for 18-24 months.
Rieussec produces a classic full-bodied Sauternes that is deep golden-yellow in colour and packed with lusciously sweet, honeyed fruits. Classsfied as a 1er Cru Classé, its best vintages rival those from d`Yquem.