Château Rieussec Sauternes 2017 - 1er Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Rieussec, one of the jewels in the Rothschild estate crown, sometimes suffers unfairly from its distribution policy, which overshadows the nobility of its terroir adjacent to Yquem and the perfectionism of its production. The wine impresses with its power and richness without lacking freshness, thanks to exemplary technical mastery of bottling. The remarkable aging of the 1988, 1989, and 1990 vintages should silence any criticism. The second wine, Carmes, is not demagogic and offers all the richness one would expect from this type of soil, with faster development in the bottle.

Decanter

About wine:

An exceptional wine bursting with exotic fruits, layers of apricot, saffron, truffle, and citrus, all culminating in a mouthwatering finish. An early harvest—the 2017 vintage was completed on the same day as the 2018 vintage and showed exceptionally pure botrytis, requiring less sorting than usual. This is a wine to watch closely.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Formerly part of the Carmelite convent in Langon, Château Rieussec is located on high ground to the west of the commune of Fargues, where it is the only Premier Cru. Its square tower dominates a gravelly hilltop at the same height as its immediate neighbor, Yquem. Its solid reputation earned it the rank of Premier Cru Classé in 1855. Numerous owners succeeded one another at its helm until 1984, when it was purchased by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite in Pauillac). This acquisition brought significant technical, financial, and human resources to this vast 90-hectare estate, 72 of which are planted with vines.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

A blend of 83% Sémillon and 17% Sauvignon Blanc, Rieussec 2017 is pale to medium lemon gold in color. To start with, the nose amazes you with intense notes of lemon tart, lime, mango, and quince, followed by a second wave of floral scents, orange blossom, and honeysuckle, then notes of crushed stone, caramel cream, and marzipan join the party. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, the palate is still very tight with concentrated sweetness and a racy backbone. The wine delivers layer upon layer of citrus and savory flavors, ending with a lingering mineral note.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

A premier cru classé located in the commune of Fargues, Rieussec has always displayed a unique personality, with wines that are sometimes very powerful and rich in liqueur. When the wines are young, noble rot produces aromas that are slightly less refined than elsewhere, but aging compensates for this slight drawback with beautiful sweet flavors. While Rieussec may have disappointed in high-yield vintages, the level has been adjusted in more recent vintages. The 2013 and 2015 vintages vigorously express a fresher and more delicate style. This is a development to be followed closely.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

#18 - TOP 100 BEST WINES TO STORE IN 2020: Intense and richly sweet, this wine is also balanced, with both botrytis and cooked apple acidity. This essential dryness gives the wine a dense core and aging potential. A high proportion of Sémillon adds weight to the finish. Drink from 2020 onwards.

James Suckling

About wine:

Inspiring depth with botrytis spices, caramel, dried apricots, and sponge cake. Full-bodied, very delicate and lively, with a long, endless finish. The lively acidity balances the wine. Tight and linear. Compact column of fruit and botrytis. Give it time to age. Best after 2026.

Yves Beck

About wine:

Golden yellow. Intense and complex bouquet! It is obviously seductive and charming, but also convincing because it reveals itself with precision. Passion fruit, quince, candied orange, and saffron. A sort of journey between sweetness and freshness. On the palate, Rieussec is racy, sweet, powerful, opulent, and subtle. It couldn't be more paradoxical! Such grandeur, I have rarely tasted Rieussec this well... note that I always taste it well, but this one has such complementary breed and sweetness that the balance is perfect. 2025-2052

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fresh, fruity, crisp and offers depth, freshness and a fine concentration. There are notes of lemon, candied lemon zest and, more subtly, mandarin, mandarin mesocarp combined with hints of almond, nutmeg and a very discreet touch of cinnamon, white flowers and an imperceptible hint of jasmine. The palate is balanced, slightly tight, precise, dense and offers beautiful freshness, creaminess, acidity, beautiful tension and a slight airiness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of candied lemon, candied nectarine and, more subtly, fresh pear/fresh white fruit combined with delicate hints of roasted pineapple, white flowers, candied ginger, a hint of vanilla, sweet spices and subtle hints of toasted almond. Good length.