2001 CH RIEUSSEC 1ER CRU SAUTERNES - 24x37.5cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Goedhuis, April 2002

  One of the longest and most exciting Sauternes that we tasted, this is a wine of wonderful complexity and dramatic quality. To be tasted to be believed.

• 

  Neal Martin, April 2016,
  Score: 93

  The 2001 Rieussec is a blend of 96.5% Semillon and 3.5% Sauvignon Blanc picked between 17 September and 25 October in three tries. This is a somewhat controversial wine, one I have tasted many times. It seemed to flare with brilliance in its youth and subsequently never replicated that performance. Here, it has a mature nose with dried honey, yellow flowers and honeysuckle, the palate well balanced with ripe dried mango and orange rind notes, though it does not possess the same killer delineation as the 2005 on the finish. It remains a lovely Sauternes, but in this vertical tasting, I found more nervosité in the 2005, at least at this stage. The question is whether it will have a second wind later in life? Time will tell. Tasted April 2016.

• 

  Robert Parker, June 2004,
  Score: 99

  A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035.

More Tasting Notes Hide More Tasting Notes

Producer

Château Rieussec

Rieussec's 90 hectares of vineyard occupy one of the highest points in the Sauternes after those of neighbouring Yquem. Unusually the vineyard is one unit, and not made up of several parcels like most Bordeaux properties.The good work started by Albert Vuillier (more oak, and increased passes picking more developed grapes) in the 1970's has been continued by the current owners - Domaines Baron de Rothschild (of Lafite) - who rebuilt the chai in 1989. Vines are on average 25 years old, with Plantings predominantly Semillon (92%) with a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc (5%) and Muscadelle (3%). If the year is judged too poor as in 1993, the grand vin is not made at all. Bottlings under the name Clos Labère are also produced. The deeply coloured wine has a rich, honeyed style, which exhibits great precision and tremendous persistance.