Château Rieussec Sauternes 2017 - 1er Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Rieussec, one of the jewels of the Rothschild estates, 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 in bottling. The remarkable aging of the 1988, 1989, and 1990 vintages should silence any criticism. The second wine, Carmes, avoids any pretentiousness and offers all the richness expected from this type of soil, with a faster development in the bottle.

Decanter

About the wine:

An exceptional wine bursting with exotic fruits, layers of apricot, saffron, truffle, and citrus, all culminating in a tantalizing finish. An early harvest—the 2017 vintage was completed on the same day as the 2018, and featured 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 of Langon, Château Rieussec is situated on a hilltop west of the town of Fargues, of which it is the sole Premier Cru. Its square tower overlooks a gravelly hilltop situated at the same elevation as its immediate neighbor, Yquem. Its well-established reputation earned it the status of First Growth 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 hectares of which are vineyards.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

A blend of 83% Sémillon and 17% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 Rieussec has a pale to medium lemon-gold color. To start, the nose impresses 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, crème caramel, 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, finishing 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 distinctive character, with wines that are at times remarkably powerful and rich in sweetness. When the wines are young, the noble rot imparts aromas that are slightly less refined than elsewhere, but aging compensates for this shortcoming with lovely, sweet flavors. While Rieussec may have disappointed in high-yield vintages, the quality has been restored in more recent vintages. The 2013 and 2015 vintages vigorously express a fresher, more delicate style. A development worth watching closely.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

#18 - TOP 100 BEST WINES TO CELLAR IN 2020: Intense and richly sweet, this wine is also well-balanced, with notes of both botrytis and baked apple. This essential dryness gives the wine a dense core and aging potential. A high proportion of Sémillon adds weight to the finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2020.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Inspiring depth with notes of botrytis, caramel, dried apricots, and sponge cake. Full-bodied, very delicate, and lively, with an endlessly long finish. The lively acidity balances the wine. Tight and linear. A compact concentration of fruit and botrytis. Let it age. Best after 2026.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Golden yellow. An intense and complex bouquet! It is, of course, seductive and charming, but also compelling 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 distinguished, smooth, powerful, opulent, and subtle. It couldn’t be more paradoxical! Such grandeur—I have rarely tasted a Rieussec this well… note that I always enjoy it, but this one possesses a class and a sweetness so perfectly complementary to one another that the balance is flawless. 2025–2052

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fresh, fruity, and crisp, offering depth, freshness, and a delicate intensity. It reveals notes of lemon, candied lemon zest, and, more subtly, mandarin and mandarin pulp, combined with hints of almond and nutmeg, as well as a very subtle hint of cinnamon, white flowers, and a barely perceptible touch of jasmine. The palate is balanced, slightly tight, precise, and dense, offering lovely freshness, creaminess, a lively acidity, good tension, and a touch of airiness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of candied lemon, candied nectarine, and, more subtly, fresh pear and fresh white fruits, combined with delicate hints of roasted pineapple, white flowers, candied ginger, as well as a hint of vanilla, sweet spices, and subtle notes of toasted almond. Good length.