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The first label 2001 vintage of Chateau Rieussec was selected by The Wine Spectator as the “Wine of the Year” for 2004. This is not the first label Rieussec nor is it Chateau D'Yquem, what it is though is the best value in Sauterne I have come across in my years in the industry. A youthful pale yellow in colour, the nose shows marmalade, vanilla and tropical fruit aromas. In the mouth the wine has a soft acidity with characters of citrus, apricot and ever present botrytis coming to the fore and lingering for some time. It finishes with a lovely acidity which balances the ripe fruit. Drink: Now-2012 Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© July 2007 A lovely nose, orange blossom and tropical fruits. The palate showed candied oranges, a syrupy sweetness matched with mandarin, lime marmalade and green tints. There is a bit of peel on the finish, and then a hint of marmity yeastiness - I am not sure what to make of this. The length is very and there was a cleansing and lifting character that I enjoyed. Drink : 2007 - 2010+; Rated : 89 Points; Lincoln Scott, Winorama The second wine of Chateau Rieussec Carmes de Rieussec is selected according to the same standards as the first wine. Its constant feature is centred on a fine aromatic structure dominated by citrus aromas. The name, Carmes de Rieussec, relates to the monks of the Carmes de Langon, who were owners of the Rieussec estate in the 18th century. A blend of Semillon 85%, Sauvignon Blanc 10% and a little Muscadelle 5% this wine has spent 18 months in barrel. This is an intense golden yellow coloured wine that is showing preserved fruit on the nose, with hints of apricot. The nose develops on the palate as the range of flavours deliver a harmonious well-rounded first impression. In the 18th century, the Rieussec estate belonged to the Carmes de Langon monks. The confiscation of the estate during the revolution led to its public sale around 1790 as an 'object of national heritage' to Mr. Marheilhac, the period’s owner of Château La Louvière at Leognan. For the 1855 classification, M. Mayne was the owner of the estate. The quality of the Rieussec soil earned its ranking as a first growth Sauternes and Barsac. After that date, Rieussec’s history involves many change of owners. Acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1984 the estate then included 110 hectares of which 68 hectares were vineyards. To enhance Chateau Rieussec’s potential, stern measures were implemented, including meticulous sorting of seeds and fermenting in barrels, which provides a superior selection for blending fine wines as well as a new chai being built to extend ageing in barrels. Winery Notes
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