R de Rieussec 2017

Very aromatic with cooked pears, lemon rind, peaches and stone. This is very powerful and rich with depth and intensity that show superb power. Dense and foursquare with wild fruit. It’s phenolic and exciting. Needs a little time to soften the edges. Try after 2020.

Composed of 53% Sémillon and 47% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 R de Rieussec simply sings of ripe peaches, pink grapefruit and lemon curd with touches of elderflowers, honeysuckle and straw. The palate is medium-bodied and packed with zingy stone fruit and citrus layers, supported by a wicked backbone of freshness, finishing long and minerally.

The 2017 R de Rieussec had been bottled 10 days prior to my visit at Lafite-Rothschild. Half was vinified in barrel according to winemaker Eric Kohler, mostly the Sauvignon Blanc and the rest in stainless steel, with a short ageing on the lees until January. It has a simple, light lime flower and green apple scented bouquet, with just a touch of melon in the background. The palate is well balanced with a citric entry. The acidity here is bracing and sharp and there is an attractive lemongrass-tinged finish that lingers in the mouth. Fine.