The estate
Owned by the Domaines de Barons Rothschild Lafite since 1984, Château Rieussec has been poised among the finest Sauternes Premiers Crus Classés since 1855. The château is renowned for the quality of its sweet wines, which are both fresh and powerful, and evolve beautifully over time. Respect for the environment is an essential part of the estate’s philosophy. Thus, the grapes are harvested by hand, enabling the vineyard’s most beautiful grapes to be picked one by one and to truly express themselves through an array of utterly authentic wines.
The vineyard
Château Rieussec produces fine Sauternes wines from an 85-hectare vineyard that rests upon soils composed of sandy-clay gravel. The Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grape varieties slowly blossom until they reach an exceptional level of maturity which leads to the appellation’s infamous noble rot.
The blend
Sémillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle.
The tasting
Colour
This wine showcases an intense golden hue.
Nose
Delicately woody, the nose reveals notes of honeysuckle and acacia flower.
Palate
The full and generous palate blends fresh aromas and notes of liquor. Its fruity expression remains discreet and perfectly well balanced. The finish is persistent and is slightly bitter.
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! Tasted April 2016.