Very clean and fresh with banana, pineapple and papaya character and hints of honey. Medium-to full-bodied, sweet and crisp. Lively finish. Jasmine and acacia with hints of spice. Slightly crisper style.
Reviews:
- Wine Enthusiast: Plenty of ripe botrytis with a dry core is surrounded by flavors of sweet honey, ripe apricot and a touch of orange marmalade. The acidity keeps it fresh and vibrant. Roger Voss.
- Wine Advocate: “Rieussec was hit by hail on the 15th of July,” says Eric Kohler. “For Sauternes, the botrytis began very late. It was very difficult for the botrytis to begin. There was not so much sugar this year and not so much botrytis. This is not as great a year as 2015 or 2017.” Harvest at Rieussec began on October 10 and ended on October 31. Blended of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, the pale lemon-gold colored 2018 Rieussec reveals delicate scents of lemon drops, pear tart, marzipan and crushed stones over a core of orange blossoms, white peaches and lime leaves. The palate has a quiet intensity of an array of citrus and savory layers with amazing freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
Producer Information
For several generations, Chateau Rieussec has been the leading name in Sauternes wines. As early as 1868, Charles Cocks remarked “Beyond any of the others, Rieussec produces wines very similar to Yquem wines”. Extensive pruning and the sparing use of natural fertilizer helps keep production low. The techniques remain traditional and specific to the Sauternes region. In terms of yields, the traditional reference is that a single vine should produce a bottle of wine. Here, though, a single vine produces about a glass of wine. Traditional fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and can last as long as two months. The wine is aged for 16 to 26 months in oak barrels, produced mostly at Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) cooperage and half are renewed each year. Classified “Premier Grand Cru” in 1855, Rieussec has held its reputation and the quality of its wine, throughout the difficult years which Sauternes properties have been through. Albert Vuillier, who took over in 1971, has paid special attention to the development of the vineyard and pushed the standard of the wines produced to the highest level. This policy has paid dividends, since in recent years, Rieussec has received particular acclaim in numerous tastings of the “Premier Cru” of Sauternes. In 1985, wishing to consolidate Rieussec’s position, Albert Vuillier entered into partnership with Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) to go even further in the elusive search for the perfect Sauternes.
