Château Rieussec
Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, France
The 2010 Rieussec is similar to the previous bottle a couple of years ago. It has since opened with saffron-tinged honeyed fruit, dried honey and almond shavings. This example is more vanillary and oaky than previous ones, and that actually distracts from the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied; again, the new oak feels more prominent than previous bottles, prompting me to lower my score. It's utterly seductive but articulates more of the winemaking than I would like. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
The 2010 Rieussec is similar to the previous bottle a couple of years ago. It has since opened with saffron-tinged honeyed fruit, dried honey and almond shavings. This example is more vanillary and oaky than previous ones, and that actually distracts from the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied; again, the new oak feels more prominent than previous bottles, prompting me to lower my score. It's utterly seductive but articulates more of the winemaking than I would like. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
Enjoyed this over the course of several days starting Christmas evening. Just beautiful...the ripest Red Haven Peach followed by creme brûlée. Long seductive finish. Left me wanting more.
Enjoyed this over the course of several days starting Christmas evening. Just beautiful...the ripest Red Haven Peach followed by creme brûlée. Long seductive finish. Left me wanting more.
Dec 30th, 2020As I sit at my desk writing about an entirely different wine, this seductress is unfurling before me, and I can fully appreciate its aromatic charms from a distance of several inches. Dried apricot, yellow peaches, star anise, clove, and creme brûlée round out the nose of this opulent Sauternes. On the palate, it's unctuous and yet finely corseted in vibrant acidity and minerality. Every bit as good as the 1986 I tasted recently. Like Sleeping Beauty, all it requires is time. Of note, Château Rieussec is a blend of 90 to 95% Sémillon, 5 to 10% Muscadelle and Sauvignon blanc and is aged for 18 to 26 months on oak, of which around 50% is new French oak. 14.0% ABV
As I sit at my desk writing about an entirely different wine, this seductress is unfurling before me, and I can fully appreciate its aromatic charms from a distance of several inches. Dried apricot, yellow peaches, star anise, clove, and creme brûlée round out the nose of this opulent Sauternes. On the palate, it's unctuous and yet finely corseted in vibrant acidity and minerality. Every bit as good as the 1986 I tasted recently. Like Sleeping Beauty, all it requires is time. Of note, Château Rieussec is a blend of 90 to 95% Sémillon, 5 to 10% Muscadelle and Sauvignon blanc and is aged for 18 to 26 months on oak, of which around 50% is new French oak. 14.0% ABV
Lacks some acidity. Overall great peach, nectarine ripe fruits
Lacks some acidity. Overall great peach, nectarine ripe fruits
Sep 10th, 2021
Not very sweet for a Sauterne, but altogether lovely for a dessert wine. Pineapple sorbet and sage on the palate .
Not very sweet for a Sauterne, but altogether lovely for a dessert wine. Pineapple sorbet and sage on the palate .
Nov 19th, 2016
