Chateau Rieussec 2009

2009 Sauternes 1er Cru Classe

Chateau Rieussec was classified Premier Cru in 1885 and is considered a reference in the Sauternes appellation. The 2009 Chateau Rieussec 84% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Muscadelle.

Long barrel maturation was required to bring some roundness to this very powerful vintage. Candied apricot and fresh almond complement citrus and fresh fruit notes. The 2009 Chateau de Rieussec offers great length combined with very pleasant freshness as well as vigorous fruits that appeal the palate. Honey and acacia flower flavours are also very pronounced.

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The 2009 Rieussec is a blend of 84% Semillon (relatively low), 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Muscadelle picked between 17 September and 15 October over four pickings. It has a rich and powerful bouquet that overshadows the 2010, decadent ripe quince, peach and dried honey scents, a dab of beeswax developing with time. The palate is wonderfully balanced with botrytis-rich fruit, a multilayered and opulent Rieussec that somehow maintains quite brilliant balance towards the minerally finish. This is one of the great wines from the estate in the modern age. Tasted April 2016.