Description

Delicate nose with notes of rhubarb, peach and white flowers. The palate is light and yet voluptuous. The attack is fresh, with the same rhubarb as the bouquet. The smooth finish is characterized by a buttery notes and hint of muscat.

2020 assemblage: Sémillon 82%, Sauvignon Blanc 16%, Muscadelle 2%. Each plot is pressed and fermented in barrel seperately. Wines are kept on lees and stirred, before racking and blending, and then returned to barrels to age for 12 months.

For several generations, Château Rieussec has been one of the leading Sauternes wines. Classified 1er Grand Cru in 1855, it artfully combines Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle. A vin de garde (for ageing,) it reveals itself and surprises at each stage of its development: If kept in a cool place once opened, it can be enjoyed for several weeks without altering and marries a thousand flavours from midday to midnight.

Carmes de Rieussec, the second wine, is selected based on the same criteria as Château Rieussec. It expressed beautiful aromatics, with a dominant citrus palette. Its name is a reference to the Carmes de Langon monks.

"Pale golden yellow, silver reflections. Fine white tropical fruit, subtle honey notes, candied orange zest, yellow peaches. Medium complexity, a fruity-sweet core, a discreet acidity, white peaches, balanced, uncomplicated."
92 points. Falstaff Magazine (January 2023)