Standard 0.75L size bottle of Chateau Rieussec – 2017 vintage – Premier Grand Cru Classé from Sauternes, Bordeaux.
Ratings & Tasting Notes
Robert Parker – Wine Advocate (97/100)
“A blend of 83% Semillon and 17% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 Rieussec is pale to medium lemon-gold colored. To begin, the nose blows you away with intense lemon tart, lime cordial, mango and quince notes followed by a second wave of floral, orange blossoms and honeysuckle scents, and then notes of crushed rocks, crème caramel and marzipan join the party. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is still very tightly wound with concentrated sweetness and a racy backbone to match, delivering layer upon layer of citrus and savory flavors, finishing on a persistent mineral note.”
Decanter (97/100)
“An exceptional wine, this is just stuffed full of exotic fruits, layers of apricot, saffron, truffle and citrus, all powering through the palate with a mouthwatering finish. An early harvest – they finished picking in 2017 the same day that they started in 2018, and the crop showed unusually pure botrytis, needing less sorting than usual. Absolutely one to look out for.”
James Suckling (98/100)
“Inspirational depth with botrytis spice, toffee, dried-apricot and sponge-cake character. Full-bodied, very sweet and lively with a long, endless finish. Lively acidity balances the wine. Tight and linear. Compact column of fruit and botrytis. Give it age. Better after 2026.”
Wine Enthusiast (97/100)
“Intense and richly sweet, this wine is also balanced, with both botrytis and baked-apple acidity coming through. This essential dryness gives the wine a dense core and aging potential. A high proportion of Sémillon adds its weight at the end. Drink from 2020.”
Jeff Leve – The Wine Cellar Insider (95/100)
“Concentrated with good depth of flavor allowing you to explore all the honey slathered orange and yellow tropical fruits, caramel and butterscotch. Rich and full, but with that necessary pop of acidity, this is a sweet treat.”
