Chateau Rieussec, 2014/2018, Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classe, France, White – Sweet, 75cl

Description Reviews: 2018 ROBERT PARKER 93pts Wine Producer: Domaines Barons De Rothschild Country: France Region: Bordeaux Production Area: Sauternes Grape Type: Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Colour: White Average annual production: 6,000 cases.   Vineyard: Located on the highest point of the municipalities of Fargues and Sauternes, the Château Rieussec neighbours Yquem and is home to a contiguous vineyard planted in sandy clay or gravel clay soil. This cru’s reputation bears testimony to the exceptional quality of its wines. The latter feature a well-defined golden hue and are complex, powerful and concentrated.   Wine – Making Process: Grapes are harvested by hand and yields have been pushed down to increase concentration and richness in the Grand Vin. This attention to detail and perfectionism has led to a spate of wonderful vintages over recent years and Rieussec is arguably experiencing a golden age.   Features: Beautiful sparkling yellow colour, already deepening, but still with a few green glints of youth. The nose is delicate, with scents of wild flowers. There are also notes of candied citrus fruit and melon. The wood is well-integrated. On the palate, the attack is subtle and the wine then develops substantial volume. It reveals a pleasant acidity, with a good balance between freshness and richness. Citrus fruit is again present, with notes of orange. The long, fresh finish develops classic notes of candied apricots. While having a good potential to improve with age, this is also a wine that can be enjoyed relatively young.   Pairings: Seafood dishes, chicken, pork, and slightly spicy Asian dishes.    Explore Rieussec Estate: 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. It is this mist which many believe plays a major role in the development of botrytis cinerea (noble rot). Château Rieussec is located in Fargues (adjacent to Château d’Yquem). In the 18th century, the Rieussec estate belonged to the Carmes de Langon monks. Sold as a “national inheritance” after the French Revolution, Rieussec experienced several changes of owners before being acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite in 1984. Since then, meticulous plot selection and important innovative methods have been used in the cellars to enhance quality.   Serving Temperature: 8°C-10°C   Actual Alcoholic Strength by Volume: 13% vol. (varies depending on vintage).   Allergens: Contains sulphites.