Château Rieussec

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend

9.374 ratings
9.215 pro ratings
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, France
Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend
Duck, Squash & Root Vegetables, Shellfish, Turkey, Mushrooms, Cream Sauces, Chicken, Goose, White Fish, Pork, Meaty & Oily Fish, Manchego & Parmesan, Cheddar & Gruyere
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9.3

The 2010 Rieussec is similar to the previous bottle a couple of years ago. It has since opened with saffron-tinged honeyed fruit, dried honey and almond shavings. This example is more vanillary and oaky than previous ones, and that actually distracts from the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied; again, the new oak feels more prominent than previous bottles, prompting me to lower my score. It's utterly seductive but articulates more of the winemaking than I would like. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)

The 2010 Rieussec is similar to the previous bottle a couple of years ago. It has since opened with saffron-tinged honeyed fruit, dried honey and almond shavings. This example is more vanillary and oaky than previous ones, and that actually distracts from the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied; again, the new oak feels more prominent than previous bottles, prompting me to lower my score. It's utterly seductive but articulates more of the winemaking than I would like. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)

Jan 10th, 2024
Cathy Corison

Owner/Winemaker Corison Winery

8.6

NO acidity.

NO acidity.

Jan 10th, 2021
Sue Shay

Enjoyed this over the course of several days starting Christmas evening. Just beautiful...the ripest Red Haven Peach followed by creme brûlée. Long seductive finish. Left me wanting more.

Enjoyed this over the course of several days starting Christmas evening. Just beautiful...the ripest Red Haven Peach followed by creme brûlée. Long seductive finish. Left me wanting more.

Dec 30th, 2020
Christine Havens

As I sit at my desk writing about an entirely different wine, this seductress is unfurling before me, and I can fully appreciate its aromatic charms from a distance of several inches. Dried apricot, star anise and clove, and creme brûlée round out the nose of this opulent Sauternes. On the palate, it's unctuous and yet finely corseted in vibrant acidity and minerality. Every bit as good as the 1986 I tasted recently. All this requires is time, sweet time. Merveilleux!

As I sit at my desk writing about an entirely different wine, this seductress is unfurling before me, and I can fully appreciate its aromatic charms from a distance of several inches. Dried apricot, star anise and clove, and creme brûlée round out the nose of this opulent Sauternes. On the palate, it's unctuous and yet finely corseted in vibrant acidity and minerality. Every bit as good as the 1986 I tasted recently. All this requires is time, sweet time. Merveilleux!

1 person found it helpfulMay 10th, 2014
Christine Havens

As I sit at my desk writing about an entirely different wine, this seductress is unfurling before me, and I can fully appreciate its aromatic charms from a distance of several inches. Dried apricot, yellow peaches, star anise, clove, and creme brûlée round out the nose of this opulent Sauternes. On the palate, it's unctuous and yet finely corseted in vibrant acidity and minerality. Every bit as good as the 1986 I tasted recently. Like Sleeping Beauty, all it requires is time. Of note, Château Rieussec is a blend of 90 to 95% Sémillon, 5 to 10% Muscadelle and Sauvignon blanc and is aged for 18 to 26 months on oak, of which around 50% is new French oak. 14.0% ABV

As I sit at my desk writing about an entirely different wine, this seductress is unfurling before me, and I can fully appreciate its aromatic charms from a distance of several inches. Dried apricot, yellow peaches, star anise, clove, and creme brûlée round out the nose of this opulent Sauternes. On the palate, it's unctuous and yet finely corseted in vibrant acidity and minerality. Every bit as good as the 1986 I tasted recently. Like Sleeping Beauty, all it requires is time. Of note, Château Rieussec is a blend of 90 to 95% Sémillon, 5 to 10% Muscadelle and Sauvignon blanc and is aged for 18 to 26 months on oak, of which around 50% is new French oak. 14.0% ABV

Jan 16th, 2016
Valentina Zabala

Lacks some acidity. Overall great peach, nectarine ripe fruits

Lacks some acidity. Overall great peach, nectarine ripe fruits

Sep 10th, 2021
Ruud Verhagen

95+

Jul 11th, 2021
Nicholas Teasdale

Amazing Sauternes. Love it!
Soooo smooth, like velvet.

Amazing Sauternes. Love it!
Soooo smooth, like velvet.

Aug 9th, 2019
Alain Dufois

Nice, honeycomb, bit of peach and almond, easy drink. Not sure if it will evolve into one of the greatest

Nice, honeycomb, bit of peach and almond, easy drink. Not sure if it will evolve into one of the greatest

May 7th, 2019
William

2010

2010

Jun 23rd, 2018