Carmes de Rieussec Sauternes 2018 - Second Vin
90-91/100
James Suckling
90/100
RVF
89-91/100
Robert Parker
89/100
Jean-Marc Quarin
"A timeless classic from Domaines Barons de Rothschild"
“Carmes de Rieussec’s very pure nose, evoking candied apricot, hints at a wine that is both fresh and ripe. A very smooth Sauternes that leaves a slightly syrupy sensation on the palate. The finish regains its liveliness, with lovely notes of candied lemon. ” (Le Guide de la Revue du Vin de France 2021) — A fine achievement for a second wine, which will be a true pleasure to taste!
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Eye
A beautiful, golden color with a brilliant sheen
Nose
It immediately stands out for its delicacy. The oak aging is still evident but blends perfectly with notes of apricot and candied melon.
Palate
The attack is light, then the wine develops good body, gradually filling the entire mouth. It is not marked by the often excessive warmth typical of this vintage. The finish is long and precise.
Serve
At 8-10°C
Open
1/2 hour before
Drink starting at
2022
Drink before
2030
Food and Wine Pairings
Enjoy as an aperitif, with stir-fried vegetables, a blue cheese like Roquefort...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2021 guide): 4*Stars (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)
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 while retaining its freshness, thanks to exemplary technical expertise in bottling. The remarkable aging potential of the 1988, 1989, and 1990 vintages should silence any criticism. The second wine, Carmes, avoids sensationalism and offers all the richness one expects from this type of soil, with a more rapid development in the bottle.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2020 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
About the estate:
Formerly part of the Carmelite convent of Langon, Château Rieussec is situated on high ground west of the town of Fargues, of which it is the only Premier Cru. Its square tower overlooks a gravelly ridge at the same elevation as its immediate neighbor, Yquem. Its well-established reputation earned it the status of Premier Cru Classé in 1855. Numerous owners succeeded one another at the estate 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
Wine rated (2019 guide) 89–91/100 (Excellent wine)
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
With a pale lemon-gold color, the 2018 Carmes de Rieussec is a bit youthful and reserved at first, offering hints of lemon meringue pie, lime cordial, and beeswax, with touches of freshly baked bread and marzipan. The palate is attractively rich and brimming with layers of citrus and spices, with a long, honeyed finish.
About the estate:
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2021 guide) 90/100
Rated estate (2021 guide) 1*Star (Up-and-coming stars or high-quality winemakers producing wines of a high standard—you won’t be disappointed when you taste the wines from these estates)
About the wine:
Carmes de Rieussec’s very clean nose, reminiscent of candied apricot, hints at a wine that is both fresh and ripe. A very smooth Sauternes that leaves a slightly sticky sensation on the palate. The finish regains its liveliness, with lovely notes of candied lemon.`
About the estate:
A Premier Cru Classé located in the town 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 been disappointing in high-yield vintages, the quality has been refined in more recent vintages. The 2013 and 2015 vintages vigorously express a fresher, more delicate style. This is a trend worth following closely.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2019 guide) 90-91/100
About the wine:
A lovely second wine from Rieussec with creamy notes of baked pear and apple. A hint of soufflé, too. Medium-bodied, moderately sweet, and with a fresh finish.
Jean-Marc Quarin
Wine rated (2021 guide) 89/100
About the wine:
Pale, brilliant color. Intense, fruity, subtle, and creamy on the nose. Melts in the mouth beautifully, with a graceful texture. The finish is slightly fuller-bodied, with a hint of bitterness. Average length.