Chateau Rieussec is a storied estate, having been founded in the 18th century and passing hands several times until it was acquired by the owners of Lafite Rothschild in 1984. It was rated as a First Growth in the 1855 Classification (though for Sauternes, this is the second level, as Chateau d’Yquem sits alone as a “Superior First Growth”).
Today, it is known for a rich style and regarded as perhaps the second best Sauternes/Barsac producer, though the latter is very arguable as Climens, Guiraud, La Tour Blanche, and Suidiraut (plus maybe a couple others) could also make that claim.
2005 is considered a strong (albeit not all-time great), structured vintage for Sauternes. This Rieussec is a blend of 90% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The ABV is listed at 11-14%, which is an annoyingly unspecific range.
**Tasting Notes:** Bright amber color. Pronounced nose of dried apricot, pineapple, honey, and candied orange. Super creamy and mouth coating, yet not cloying thanks to its juicy acidity. Alcohol is likely on the upper-end of the stated range but never drinks hot. Impressively long finish. Thoroughly complete and delicious dessert wine.
realityissubjective
I just opened a 2010 of theirs. It’s delicious!
givemegoodtimes
Yum, always an upvote for good Sauternes
castlerigger
Rieussec is superb value, and the older ones, 1976 and 1988 in particular I recall being amazing, are some of the few other wines I have thought could come close to Yquem.
TroutFearMe
They really screwed the pooch with the label redesign
5 Comments
Chateau Rieussec is a storied estate, having been founded in the 18th century and passing hands several times until it was acquired by the owners of Lafite Rothschild in 1984. It was rated as a First Growth in the 1855 Classification (though for Sauternes, this is the second level, as Chateau d’Yquem sits alone as a “Superior First Growth”).
Today, it is known for a rich style and regarded as perhaps the second best Sauternes/Barsac producer, though the latter is very arguable as Climens, Guiraud, La Tour Blanche, and Suidiraut (plus maybe a couple others) could also make that claim.
2005 is considered a strong (albeit not all-time great), structured vintage for Sauternes. This Rieussec is a blend of 90% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The ABV is listed at 11-14%, which is an annoyingly unspecific range.
**Tasting Notes:** Bright amber color. Pronounced nose of dried apricot, pineapple, honey, and candied orange. Super creamy and mouth coating, yet not cloying thanks to its juicy acidity. Alcohol is likely on the upper-end of the stated range but never drinks hot. Impressively long finish. Thoroughly complete and delicious dessert wine.
I just opened a 2010 of theirs. It’s delicious!
Yum, always an upvote for good Sauternes
Rieussec is superb value, and the older ones, 1976 and 1988 in particular I recall being amazing, are some of the few other wines I have thought could come close to Yquem.
They really screwed the pooch with the label redesign