Château Rieussec Sauternes 2022 - 1er Cru Classé

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 mastery in bottling. The remarkable aging 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.

The color is brilliant, and the nose is already very complex, blending botrytis (orange peel) and oak (sweet spices, toasty notes) with hints of aromatic herbs such as menthol. Silky on the palate, full-bodied and sensual, rich yet airy, with a luminous, zesty, and briny finish that lingers on the fruit and tantalizes the palate: a distinguished Sauternes that delivers truly beautiful sensations, and will continue to do so for many years to come. 2029–2045

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.

With 139 grams of residual sugar per liter, the 2022 Rieussec is one of the vintage’s standout wines. It reveals a complex and deep bouquet with notes of exotic fruits, mango, dried apricot, and spices. Full-bodied, dense, and harmonious, it features a rich, fruity core, lively aromas, and a crisp, delicate acidity, leading to a long, fruity, and airy finish. Fermented in new barrels for the Sémillon and one-year-old barrels for the Sauvignon Blanc, this little gem was aged for 18 months in those same barrels.

Rieussec 2022 embodies the richness of the vintage while remaining elegant and very well-structured. Opulent yet distinguished, spicy, and creamy, yet finishing with a magnificent touch of firmness, it is a great success.

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 watching closely.

Rieussec 2022 offers a fragrant nose of dried honey, Muscat, honeysuckle, and saffron, with remarkable intensity. Highly evolving in the glass, it initially closes in on itself but reveals greater precision after a few minutes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with lively acidity and a hint of spice, while notes of ginger emerge on the finish. Very refined. 139 g/L of residual sugar.

Exuberance isn’t really Rieussec’s priority, and this 2022 vintage drives that point home. It focuses on finesse and nuance, while still highlighting the vintage’s complexity and generosity on both the nose and the palate. The bouquet reveals subtle, deep nuances, with freshness driving the wine. Hints of acacia blossoms, orange zest, mandarins, and lemongrass, blended with candied notes, underscore the wine’s freshness and maturity. On the palate, Rieussec reaffirms its dedication to precision, integrated smoothness, and character. All of this is balanced by an austerity that crystallizes the wine’s freshness, salinity, and liveliness. A wine of character that demonstrates long-term ambition… yet remains accessible to epicureans who appreciate the present moment. In short, it is contemporary without compromising its traditional style. 2028–2052