Address: 33210 Fargues

Telephone: +33 (0)5 57 98 14 10

E-mail: rieussec@lafite.com

Website: www.lafite.com

Château Rieussec produces wonderful Sauternes and is part of the Lafite stable run by Charles Chevallier with Frédéric Magniez the estate manager. Rieussec, classified a premier cru in 1855, has an enviable terrior and neighbours Château d’Yquem in the east. It is one of the largest Sauternes estates, with over 90 hectares, but despite this yields at the property are low, even by Sauternes standards. It can often be found at discount to other properties of similar quality as the wine is frequently off-loaded onto the markets at a cheaper cost by merchants who have been obliged to take Rieussec in order to get an allocation of other, more sought-after wines, from the Lafite stable. This is a good thing for the consumer as means Rieussec can be often be found at bargain prices [this in a region  that already has its fair share of bargains]. Impressive wines.

Vineyard/Terrior: 92 hectares with 90% Semillon, 7% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle.

Winemaking/Elevage: Ageing in oak from between 16 to 26 months in 50% new oak.

Tasting notes:

• 2013 Pale green gold; creamy butterscotch notes; some ginger and spice; very full of botrytis tones; attractive; full palate; very creamy mouthfeel; nice zip at the end. Complete and well done. [45.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 55.5% Semillon]. Tasted UGCB. 1/4/14. Drink 2018-2030. 92-94+
• 2011 Golden straw; honey and cream; lots of botrytis; thick and rich; quite a lot of race on the palate with nice acid; terrific zip here. Really nice acid balance. Tasted April ’12 at UGCB. 94-96+
• 2010 Pale gold; some honey, thickness and some wax; quite sweet, rip and unctuous palate; nice balance and waves of flavour; sweetness but with bite at the back. 93-95/100 Tasted 5 April 2011 UGC
• 2009 Light gold; very attractive nose; noble; some real botrytis notes here; with wax; palate very fresh and appealing; medium weight and racy. Excellent with wonderful length. 94-96+/100
• 2008 Bright gold; fine elegant nose with peach and white flower tones, wax beneath; has depth; quite rich palate; weight and works well. Lacks a bit of zip but very good effort. Tasted Nov ’12 at MW Institute. 91+
• 2007 Bright gold; brioche, some apricot and creamy botrytis; ripe and full palate; nice texture with really good balance; good length with peaches and cream note son the finish. Tasted June ’13 at Mouton 1855 dinner Vinexpo. 93+
• 2001 Gold; peaches and cream with floral notes and butterscotch; nice elegance; legs; palate unctuous, orangey with honey and marmalade characters but with also real freshness. Excellent length – honey and butter on the finish. Excellent balance and freshness with nice balancing acid.  94/100 Dec ‘09