2015 Chateau Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classe 375ml

Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France

Grape: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

Culinary Suggestions: Apricot Tart, Foie Gras, Roquefort, Creme Brulee, Pavlova

About

Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite since 1984, Rieussec is located in the heart of the Sauternes vineyards. Surrounded by water and nature, the property, with its simple and rigorous architecture, stands out for its free contours.

In the 18th century, Rieussec belonged to the monks of the Carmes de Langon and, at the time of the 1855 classification, the quality of its terroir was recognised as a Premier Cru Classé of Sauternes and Barsac.

Then owned by M. Mayne, Rieussec went through several changes of ownership: Charles Crepin around 1870, Paul Defolie in 1892, M. Bannil in 1907, the Gasqueton family, also owners of Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, then F. F. Berry during the war, M. Balaresque in 1957 and finally Albert Vuillier, a passionate lover of the liqueur wines of Sauternes, in 1971.

Rieussec became part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite family in 1984 and soon after a new winery was built in the heart of the vineyard. This initiated a constant qualitative effort from the vine to the cellar, between selection, fermentation, and maturation, which was soon rewarded by the remarkable triad of 1988, 1989 and 1990 vintages.

The 1995 – 2005 decade crowns these efforts, with a new series of remarkable wines over which time has no hold. In 2004, Château Rieussec 2001 was even chosen “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator magazine. - Winery Website

Tasting Notes

A blend of 86% Sémillon and 14% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2015 Rieussec reveals a bright, pale straw-gold color and is a little closed at this youthful stage, yet it offers wonderful purity and depth, featuring notes of lemon marmalade, orange blossoms, beeswax and acacia honey with hints of preserved kumquats and peach compote. Very elegant and fine in the medium to full-bodied mouth, it features a racy backbone cutting through the earthy and citrus layers, finishing long and spicy.

96+ points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate February 2018

Drink: 2021 - 2041