Chateau Rieussec 2019 Sauternes Classified First Growth White Bordeaux France

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97 Points Vinous - 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.

96 Points Decanter - Lovely noble rot aromas but quite modern in profile with freshness and energy. On the palate there is expressive and open flavours of honeyed lemon, orange rind and pineapple well wrapped in a viscous, rich, sumptuous and seductive layer of sweetness. Great acidity backbone, not mouthwatering as such but just enough that it lifts the overall feeling so much then the structure comes in supporting the frame making you think this is a serious and super charming wine. Great texture also the flavours glide across the palate. Excellent intensity but also freshness. A great aperitif style to enjoy before a meal - serve cold and let the wine reveal more complexity and nuance as it warms and opens. A new, fun bottle was introduced for this vintage. Dark glass was used 'obliging you to pour it as you can't see the colour' says Saskia de Rothschild with a reusable cork stopper so it can be kept in the fridge and consumed in several sittings.

94-96 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - Pale lemon-gold in color, the 2019 Rieussec flaunts a delicately scented nose of fresh grapefruit, lemon curd, lime leaves and clover honey with wafts of jasmine, white truffles and nutmeg. The palate slowly builds, revealing layers of apple and citrus fruits with loads of savory accents, framed by refreshing acidity and a seductively oily texture, finishing on a lingering honey-nut note. (LPB) Inner quote mark (9/2020)

Owned by the Domaines de Barons Rothschild Lafite since 1984, Château Rieussec has been a Premier Cru Classé of Sauternes since 1855. The château is recognized for the quality of its fresh and powerful sweet wines with beautiful substance, which become even more beautiful with the test of time. Respect for the environment is an essential part of the philosophy of this property. The harvest is manual, allowing the team to select only the most beautiful fruit, grape by grape. This fruit is then allowed to express itself through very authentic wines.

The vineyard - Located in the heart of the Sauternes appellation, Château Rieussec watches over 85 hectares of vineyards planted in sandy clay gravel soils. Here Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grape varieties develop slowly until they reach an exceptional level of maturity that attracts the noble rot so famous in this appellation.

The wine - For the release of its 2019 vintage, Château Rieussec has chosen to break with the classic codes of Sauternes: while keeping with the identity of the property, which benefits from four centuries of know-how, the estate has transformed its first wine and infused it with a modern philosophy that respects nature. Thus, Rieussec has opted for a 95% recycled glass and a cork that allows the wine to be kept for many weeks and reused as a carafe or vase.

The vintage - The 2019 vintage is perfectly suited for this spirit of renewal. Indeed, this vintage will be remembered for the aromatic freshness of its wines, which contrasts with the typical profile of Sauternes while maintaining the soul of the appellation.

Vinification and ageing - The Rieussec 2019 aged for 18 to 26 months in barrels.

The blend - Sémillon (82%) and Sauvignon Blanc (16%) and Muscadelle (2%).