Château Rieussec

Classified as a First Growth in 1855. Rieussec is one of the biggest estates of Sauternes with 227 acres of vines, situated on the “communes” of Sauternes and Fargues, high above the Garonne River, in a small area where the cold Autumn dawns help form the famous mist. It is this mist which many believe plays a major role in the development of botrytis cinerea (noble rot). Château Rieussec is located in Fargues (adjacent to Château d’Yquem). In the 18th century, the Rieussec estate belonged to the Carmes de Langon monks. Sold as a “national inheritance” after the French Revolution, Rieussec experienced several changes of owners before being acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1984. Since then, meticulous plot selection and important innovative methods have been used in the cellars to enhance quality.

Château Rieussec is one of the largest properties in Sauternes and Barsac, covering 85 hectares of gravel sitting on sandy-clay soils. The vintage began well with a mild, dry winter. The fine weather continued into early spring, resulting in an early start to the growth cycle. During this period, the colder and drier than usual weather slowed down the vines’ growth. After a relatively cold, rainy start, June suddenly changed, bringing an early summer heat wave. The vines seemed better equipped than in previous years to cope with the heat. Some miraculous rain arrived in late July, at just the right moment to trigger véraison (color change). The rain in September was very helpful for the botrytis. But the harvests turned out to be more complex, with rigorous sorting required to keep the nicely botrytized ones. Early October was opportune to pick perfectly balanced grapes for the Grand Vin.

All batches were pressed individually in small pneumatic presses. After a few hours of cold settling, the must was transferred into new oak barrels from the Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac for fermentation. After fermentation, the wine was aged in barrels for 24 months.

Delicate golden color with soft green glints. The nose is powerful, with notes of dried fruit (apricots and currants) and roasted pineapple, enhanced by hints of toast and smoke. The palette then evolves towards grilled almonds and apricot crumble. On the palate, the wine offers a fine balance of freshness, with a gentle sensation of exotic fruits such as papaya and mango. Cooked apricots round out the flavors.