Rieussec 375ml

Château Rieussec has been a leading wine in Sauternes for several generations. Ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in 1855, it is made with a subtle blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle.

Winemaker notes

2023: One of those exceptional vintages. It stands out by a complex nose combining notes of apricot, candied citrus zest, and fresh pineapple. Floral accents of chamomile and acacia complete this delicate bouquet. The promise of the nose is confirmed on the palate with a subtle balance between the creaminess of the texture and the vibrant aromatic freshness. The finish is remarkable, featuring notes of blood orange peel and an intense, prolonged menthol freshness.

2016

Wine Advocate 96+: Pale lemon colored, the 2016 Rieussec comes sashaying out of the glass with a beautiful floral and citrus perfume of orange blossom, pink grapefruit, yuzu, lime leaves, lemongrass and fallen leaves with hints of nutmeg and candied ginger. Having shed a lot of the puppy fat from when I last tasted this from barrel, the palate reveals loads of elegant, tightly wound layers and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

James Suckling 97: So much botrytis on the nose with spice, dried mushrooms and nutmeg. Dried lemons and mangoes. Full-bodied and medium sweet with density and, at the same time, lightness. I like that it is full of botrytis on the palate at the beginning and then turns fruity and very pretty at the end with citrus and fruit. Balanced, creamy and rich. Try after 2024, but already gorgeous.

Vinous 94: The 2016 Rieussec has plenty of botrytis on the nose, along with scents of honey, white peach, saffron, lanolin and walnut that gain intensity with aeration. The very well balanced palate presents a viscous opening and a fine bead of acidity. Generous and poised, with hints of marzipan and Turkish Delight decorating the finish. Excellent. 

2023

Vinous 93-95: The 2023 Rieussec, in its uniquely shaped bottle, has a very precise and focused bouquet-one of the more mineral-driven noses I encountered during my barrel tasting of Sauternes. The palate taut and fresh, very well balanced with a superb bead of acidity. Lemon curd, vanilla and marmalade notes emerge toward the cohesive finish. Quite stylish.

Decanter 97: Lovely yellow gold colour, bright and shining in the glass. Aromatic nose, ripe mango and nectarine with some elderflower and cool, crisp apple scents. Ripe and sweet but so well balanced and harmonious. I love the interplay between almost sherbet lemon sweetness and zinginess with quite pronounced bitter aspects too - grapefruit rind, vanilla bean, pastry and some toasted spice on the finish. A very modern interpretation which begs for food. Not super typical but this has effortless drinkability. Ends clean and light but long with a kick of freshness that immediately draws you back in. Botrytis arrived mid September, the harvest started on 15th September. Grapes were picked in five separate passes just from the first onset of botrytis with no rain after. 3.9pH.