2018 Chateau Rieussec 'Les Carmes de Rieussec' Sauternes 375ml

About the Wine

Sauternes is the iconic sweet wine of Bordeaux. This region is a paradise for lovers of sweetness, finesse, and elegant wines. It's not easy to find a good value Sauternes, (wines from this region can fetch up to $1,000 a bottle or more,) but when we do, we're thrilled to share them with you!

Sauternes wines are made primarily from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have been naturally affected by noble rot, Botrytis fungus. In this case, it’s a desirable fungus, allowing the perfect growing conditions for sweet wine. The fungus causes small holes in the skin of the grapes, and the grapes dehydrate on the vine, concentrating the sugar in the grapes, they look like raisins at harvest. The result is a wine with deep and complex flavors and aromas. 

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)

Tasting Notes: 82% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle. The nose is delicate, mingling rhubarb and peach fragrances with delicious notes of white flowers. A fresh attack with notes of rhubarb gives way to an alluring, delicious, and pure mouthfeel. Persistent and smooth, the finish reveals buttery and subtle aromas of bright grapefruit, sweet lime, honeysuckle, and pears.

Reviews

A pretty second wine of Rieussec with creamy, cooked pear and apple character. Some soufflé character, too. Medium body, medium sweet and a fresh finish.~91 James Suckling

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