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Uutiset
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Château Rieussec 2001 was the Wine of the Year in 2004
Like lemon curd on the nose, turning to honey and caramel. Full-bodied and very sweet, with fantastic concentration of ripe and botrytized fruit, yet balanced and refined. Electric acidity. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is absolutely mind-blowing. This is the greatest young Sauternes I have ever tasted. Best after 2010. 12,500 cases made. —JS 100 points
Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
Château Rieussec has been a leading wine in Sauternes for several generations. Ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in 1855, it is made with a subtle blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle. Production varies a great deal depending on the vintage, but on average is about 6,000 cases (however, none was made in 1977, 1993 and 2012).
Blend: 90 to 95% Sémillon, 5 to 10% Muscadelle and Sauvignon
Ageing: in oak barrels from 18 to 26 months depending on the year, 50 to 55% in new barrels
Wine Information
Vintage 2001 / Nothing in the year’s weather could foretell such a great result. The harvests began in mid-September with a preliminary sorting. And then the perfect scenario played out: light rains came on the weekend of the 22-23 September, and botrytis was absorbed by the grapes, causing rapid and uniform concentration, enhanced by a warm and windy Indian summer. The vineyard went from a golden yellow to botrytis violet in just three days. Under the action of the eastern wind, the botrytis wavered and wrinkled, contracting and concentrating the juices. Harvest was quick and concentrated, on a single pass for certain plots, which is unprecedented at Rieussec. In the early tastings, the nose is powerful and dominated by apricot and candied melon notes. In the mouth the attack is delicate and full of finesse. It then develops in volume and an amazing sensation arises in the mouth. The balance between acidity and liquor is so perfect that the sugar totally disappears. This very rare perception can only be experienced with exceptional Sauternes.