Château Rieussec, Sauternes, 2021, 75cl

Revealing a fruity, energetic bouquet, the 2021 Rieussec, a blend of 91% Sémillon and 9% Sauvignon Blanc, is a great performance in Sauternes. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, it’s perfectly balanced with a fleshy core of fruit and a mineral, saline finish.

Medium golden yellow, silver reflections. On the nose, subtle notes of lanolin, a hint of marzipan, fresh oranges, mango and peach, red berries and botrytis savouriness. Juicy and elegant with notes of yellow tropical fruit, shows the freshness of the cool season of the year, a mineral touch and a lasting finish. An elegant Rieussec, already approachable with some development and definite ageing potential. (10/1/2024, cellar, drink +30)

Medium-bodied with spice and caramel. Dried mushroom and cloves. Orange peel and burnt orange. Medium-sweet.

Excellent quality, vibrant gold colour, sharp citrus, pineapple, mango and lime zest acidities, opulent and silk-strewn texture that closes in and grips through the finish, finishing with a mint leaf signoff. Accomplished and enjoyable, mouthwatering and tightrope walking. Jean de Roquefeuil technical director (now left for DBR’s Languedoc estate Aussières), Ondine Sanfins viticulturalist creating a library of vines for massal selection. First year of organic conversion.