Carmes de Rieussec 2014

A Sauternes Second Vin with an alluring amplitude and balance

The estate

Château Rieussec is located in the prestigious Sauternes appellation, in the south of the Bordeaux region. This château is steeped in history and belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon in the 18th century. It was then sold as "National Property" following the French Revolution. Classified as an 1855 Sauternes Premier Grand Cru, Château Rieussec was acquired by the Rothschild family in 1984.

The vineyard

The estate’s Second Vin, Carmes de Rieussec, is a Sauternes wine that stems from a sandy-clay gravel terroir. The vineyard of Château Rieussec is situated on the border between Fargues and Sauternes and covers 93 hectares, thus making it one of the largest estates in the appellation.

The vintage

A rainy winter preceded a spring with above-average temperatures, which favoured an early budbreak as well as an even flowering period. The two-stage veraison (end of June and after August 15th) led to an uneven ripening of the grapes. Despite these conditions and low yields, the vintage produced a complex and fresh wine.

The blend

Semillon (91%)

Sauvignon blanc (5%)

Muscadelle (4%).

Carmes de Rieussec 2014: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The nose is very dense and combines fragrances of honey and acacia flower with subtle woody notes.

Palate

Ample and generous, the palate is seduced by this wine’s balance and its long and delectable finish.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve between 8 and 10°C.