Chateau Rieussec 2021

Originating from France in the Bordeaux region, specifically within the Sauternes AOC appellation, Château Rieussec Premier Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 2021 represents a luxurious, world-class, and iconic sweet white wine. Ranked as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the historic 1855 Classification, Château Rieussec is owned and managed by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Neighboring Château d'Yquem, the estate's vineyards span 93 hectares situated on one of the highest elevations in Sauternes, planted on gravelly soil overlaying clay and limestone subsoils. Under technical director Saskia de Rothschild and team, the winemaking philosophy incorporates strict, manual plot-by-plot harvesting in successive passes (tries) to select grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Vinification takes place in oak barrels (approximately 50% to 70% new) produced at the Rothschilds' own cooperage, where the wine matures for 18 to 24 months. The result is a opulent Sauternes that balances golden fruit richness, honeyed botrytis complexity, and electric natural acidity.

Wine Description

The wine presents a brilliant, clear luminous light gold colour with warm amber reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly complex bouquet opens with noble aromas of candied apricot, orange marmalade, dried yellow peach, and poached quince, interwoven with sophisticated notes of acacia honey, beeswax, candied ginger, white jasmine, toasted brioche, and subtle vanilla bean. On the palate, it is full bodied, rich, and mouth-coating, delivering concentrated flavours of honeyed stone fruit, citrus curd, and saline mineral earth, all supported by a bright, energetic spine of natural acidity. Framed by a velvety, viscous mid-palate structure, it concludes with an extraordinarily long, persistent finish marked by lingering orange peel, toasted almond, subtle botrytis spice, and a clean mineral grip. Composed primarily of Sémillon blended with small proportions of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, this 2021 release offers an optimal drinking window of 2026–2055+. Stylistically, it effortlessly combines Sauternes richness, vibrant acidity, and Domaines Barons de Rothschild refinement.