Château Rieussec
Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend
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)
Honey, lemon oil, spice (cinnamon, star anise), bright acidity. Lovely balance. Great
Honey, lemon oil, spice (cinnamon, star anise), bright acidity. Lovely balance. Great
Dec 27th, 2023One of the bottles I provided for a co-hosting with Mark at the City Club wine group.
Always a treat to enjoy well-made 2001 vintage Sauternes. This was my first experience with Rieussec’s 2001. Deeply golden/amber in the glass. Aromatics fill the room with apricot preserves, honeyed lemons, orange marmalade, little bit of caramel. Bordering on bombastic on the palate, it stops just short of cloying. Commanding and opulent. Honeyed stone fruits, truffle honeycomb, roasted cashews. Excellent acidity. Obviously young, I’d love to revisit in 10-15yrs.
One of the bottles I provided for a co-hosting with Mark at the City Club wine group.
Always a treat to enjoy well-made 2001 vintage Sauternes. This was my first experience with Rieussec’s 2001. Deeply golden/amber in the glass. Aromatics fill the room with apricot preserves, honeyed lemons, orange marmalade, little bit of caramel. Bordering on bombastic on the palate, it stops just short of cloying. Commanding and opulent. Honeyed stone fruits, truffle honeycomb, roasted cashews. Excellent acidity. Obviously young, I’d love to revisit in 10-15yrs.
Warm brûlée notes, deep honey and intensity. Rich
Warm brûlée notes, deep honey and intensity. Rich
Apr 10th, 2023Ambrosia, apricot nectar, smoke and game. Salty and sweet, with a mellow satsuma quality. Not too sweet, real balance.
Ambrosia, apricot nectar, smoke and game. Salty and sweet, with a mellow satsuma quality. Not too sweet, real balance.
Dec 20th, 2022Vintage 2001 | Monumental! Paired with Tarte Tatin | paired with Tarte Tatin
Vintage 2001 | Monumental! Paired with Tarte Tatin | paired with Tarte Tatin
Jan 28th, 2022Medium gold color. Nice heavy weight. Notes of apricot, a little brown sugar, sweet fruit compote, lots of tan spice and a little creme brulee. Great balance of fruit and structure. This was in a good spot tonight.
Medium gold color. Nice heavy weight. Notes of apricot, a little brown sugar, sweet fruit compote, lots of tan spice and a little creme brulee. Great balance of fruit and structure. This was in a good spot tonight.
Oct 31st, 2021Vintage 2001 | honey, apricot, full bodied with nice acidity | paired with crème brûlée
Vintage 2001 | honey, apricot, full bodied with nice acidity | paired with crème brûlée
Jun 11th, 2021Blend of 83% Semillon, 12% Sauv Blanc & 5% Muscadelle, golden medium lemon color with a complex botrytis bouquet of ripe sweet stone fruits, lemongrass and sweet floral perfume spice. On the palate peach, apricot and honey flavors adding in some nutty sweet oak encompassed by complex botrytis, "noble rot" fruit. Long finish ending with sweet creamy character. Very Nice!
Blend of 83% Semillon, 12% Sauv Blanc & 5% Muscadelle, golden medium lemon color with a complex botrytis bouquet of ripe sweet stone fruits, lemongrass and sweet floral perfume spice. On the palate peach, apricot and honey flavors adding in some nutty sweet oak encompassed by complex botrytis, "noble rot" fruit. Long finish ending with sweet creamy character. Very Nice!
Feb 27th, 2021