Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Sauternes and Barsac |
Colour | Sweet White |
Type | Still |
Tasted blind against the Rieussec 2001 as a comparison, the Château Rieussec 2005 has a more airy bouquet at first and here I find more mineralité on the nose, more precision and focus that the Rieussec 2001. The palate is clean and fresh with vibrant acidity, real tension here with marmalade, lemon curd, apricot and cold stone. Wonderful acidity is interwoven throughout this Sauternes that demonstrates real race and sophistication. It is not as rich or as hedonistic as the Rieussec 2001, but I think the slightly better wine. More breeding and energy. Do not overlook this gem. Drink 2015-2045.
Loads of spicy honey and apple character. Full-bodied, medium-sweet, with a solid core of fruit and lots of botrytis character. Very racy. Not the 2001 but superb.
Tasted blind. Deep, coppery gold. Rich and round with a savoury undertow. Exciting without being particularly sweet. Some bruised apple-skin character.
Drink 2016-2035
Chateau Rieussec has been among the very top wines for several years now, and this is one of the best. The nose has a lovely perfume with intensity, freshness and beauty. The wine has a terrific finish; concentration with a light touch because of the freshness, finesse, a lovely vinosity and perfect balance. 5 points
To my surprise, I have never encountered this vintage of Rieussec before. It is certainly superior to the 1989 tasted alongside. The nose is very attractive with intense honeyed fruit interlaced with Devonshire fudge and coconut, the oak quite dominant. The palate has a sensual entry with crisp acidity, touches of honeycomb and orange peel interlaced with almond and vanilla that lead to a very caressing, lingering finish. This is a very fine Sauternes.
Coppery. Diffuse rather toasty nose. Very very sweet but with enormous acidity too and depth. Toasty, almost burnt, a very strong expression with some depth though the sweetness is such that it easily masks everything else at this stage. Drink 2017–30