Château Rieussec - Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classe 2014

For several generations, Château 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”. 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.

Château Rieussec sits on the border of Fargues and Sauternes. Château Rieussec is one of the largest properties in Sauternes and Barsac, covering 93 hectares, made up of gravel on sandy-clay soil.

Beautiful sparkling yellow colour, already deepening, but still with a few green glints of youth. The nose is delicate, with scents of wild flowers. There are also notes of candied citrus fruit and melon. The wood is well-integrated. On the palate, the attack is subtle and the wine then develops substantial volume. It reveals a pleasant acidity, with a good balance between freshness and richness. Citrus fruit is again present, with notes of orange. The long, fresh finish develops classic notes of candied apricots. While having a good potential to improve with age, this is also a wine that can be enjoyed relatively young.

"The Château Rieussec 2014 is a blend of 93% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle, picked from 15 to 29 October through seven tries, the yield half the normal crop at 13 hectoliters per hectare. Charles Chevalier, how lest we forget started here and not chez Lafite, told me that the beginning of September had overripe grapes with passerillage – the second part had very good levels of botrytis. The blend is from these two parts. The bouquet is very well defined with crystal clear honeysuckle and white peach scents. The palate is beautifully balanced with nigh on perfect acidity that makes this seem just so…effortless. I would like to see a little more persistence on the finish, but otherwise this is classic Rieussec that might...and I stress might...just give that Sauternes beginning with the 25th letter of the alphabet, a run for its money." - 95-97 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Refined nose of nectarine, peach, crystallised ginger and sweet spices. Layered, intense and suave, with long-lasting flavours of ginger, sweet spices and tropical fruits. Very harmonious: a standout Rieussec. Drinking Window 2018 - 2045." - 95 points, Decanter

"The 2014 Rieussec is rich, creamy and ample. Orange peel, mint, apricot jam and tropical fruits grace the palate in a sensual, rich Sauternes that exudes class. Already showing slightly forward notes in its bouquet, the 2014 will enter its prime drinking window sooner than other recent vintages (the 2013 comes to mind). This is a very pretty and complete Sauternes with all of its elements in the right place." - 94 points, Vinous

Producer: Château Rieussec

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Appellation: Sauternes

Vintage: 2014

Size: 375ml