Rieussec
Since 1984, Rieussec has been owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, who have poured money into this historic Sauternes 18th century property. Traditional Sauternes harvest techniques are used, with grapes selectively picked according to their ripeness. Considering the cost to make Sauternes, Rieussec represents excellent value in Bordeaux.
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2019 Rieussec is absolutely gorgeous. Gracious and supremely elegant in feel, the 2019 is immediately impressive. An exotic melange of lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, passionfruit and tangerine oil opens effortlessly. The 2019 is compelling from start to finish. Harvest took place from October 8 to 15, in three passes. The 2019 is the first vintage that will be offered in a stylish new bottle. It is no secret Sauternes has struggled of late. I must say I really liked the new and very modern presentation, which shows a more playful side of Sauternes that might just work in creating a bit more excitement around these wines.$226.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2020 Rieussec has a slightly more petrolly bouquet than its peers, well-defined and focused—not complex, but there is admirable purity. The palate is very elegant on the entry, with superb levels of botrytis and a silver bead of acidity that upholds focus and tension. This Sauternes fans out wonderfully on the finish. Superb. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.$154.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2020 Rieussec has a slightly more petrolly bouquet than its peers, well-defined and focused—not complex, but there is admirable purity. The palate is very elegant on the entry, with superb levels of botrytis and a silver bead of acidity that upholds focus and tension. This Sauternes fans out wonderfully on the finish. Superb. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.$364.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94-96)
The 2021 Rieussec is bright, floral and super-refined. White flowers, lemon confit, pear, passionfruit and mint are all nicely lifted, with beams of bright acids that lend support. As has been the case in recent years, Rieussec is done in a style that is all about maintaining freshness and verve. There's plenty of both here. The 2021 was harvested over 3-4 picks. Yields are down 30%, which is a very favorable result for the year in Sauternes. The 125 grams of residual sugar are not at all evident.$317.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
With 139 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2022 Rieussec is one of the wines of the vintage. It reveals a complex, deep bouquet of exotic fruits, mangoes, dried apricots and spices. Full-bodied, dense and harmonious, it has a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and lively, delicate acidity, leading to a long, fruity and ethereal finish. Fermented in new barrels for the Sémillon and in one-year barrels for the Sauvignon Blanc, this beauty was matured for 18 months in the same barrels.$343.00

