Chateau Rieussec "R de Rieussec" Bordeaux Blanc Sec 2018
(Bordeaux, France) - [DM 93] [JS 91-92] [WA 90-92]

About the Winery:

Classified as a First Growth in 1855. Rieussec is one of the biggest estates of Sauternes with 227 acres of vines, situated on the “communes” of Sauternes and Fargues, high above the Garonne River, in a small area where the cold Autumn dawns help form the famous mist.

Château Rieussec sits on the border of Fargues and Sauternes, bordered by Château d’Yquem to the West. Rieussec is one of the largest properties in Sauternes and Barsac; the vineyards are gravel sitting on sandy-clay soils.

Notes from the Winemaker:

Grapes are harvested by hand in small crates. They are refrigerated prior to being brought to the press, which helps prevent oxidation. The pressing is gentle in order to retain the aromatic freshness of the grapes. Once the must has settled, most of the Semillon are placed in new oak barrels to undergo alcoholic fermentation, while the Sauvignon is predominantly fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.

Once fermentation is completed, the wines in barrels were aged on the lees for six months with regular stirring. After ageing the wines in stainless steel vats (50%) and in barrels (50%), they were blended prior to bottling.

APPELLATION: Sauternes

GRAPE VARIETIES: 59% Sauvignon Blanc, 41% Sémillon

WINEMAKER: Olivier Tregoat

TECHNICAL DATA

Acidity: 3.14
Alcohol: 12.5%

Tasting Notes: 

Expressive, complex nose, underscored by a lovely freshness. Some notes of tropical fruit, predominantly passion fruit, followed by floral notes with a hint of aniseed,suggesting fennel and tarragon. The wine’s minerality and concentration are already apparent in the nose.

On the palate, the attack is round and full, with subtle notes of fresh butter, followed by superb notes of freshly cut wood which contribute to the wine’s concentration and purity. A sensation of minerality underscores the entire palate, with warm notes of flint, reminiscent of summer walks on the pebbles at Etretat beach. The finish is concentrated and long, balanced by a pleasant hint of bitterness.

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