Château Rieussec is one of the richest and most exotic of all Sauternes, producing particularly good wines in the late 1980s and the mid 1990s. Rieussec has been owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild since 1985 and is located at one of the highest points of Sauternes in the village of Fargues where its vineyards border those of Château d`Yquem.

Rieussec’s 75 hectares of vineyards are planted with 89% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle. Yields are low and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and oak casks before being matured in oak barriques (70% new) for 18-24 months.

Rieussec produces a classic full-bodied Sauternes that is deep golden-yellow in colour and packed with lusciously sweet, honeyed fruits. Classsfied as a 1er Cru Classé, its best vintages rival those from d`Yquem.

As the Second wine of Chateau Rieussec -Premier Cru Classé-, Carmes is selected with the same standards as the first wine.

Blend – 94% Sémillon, 3% Sauvignon, 3% Muscadelle

Bouquet of white flowers, acacia and honeysuckle. On the palate, the sweetness is present from the start with notes of honey; the wine then confirms a balanced, harmonious structure and the moderately long finish ends with a pleasant, fairly lively expression.

James Suckling – 93 points

22 Dec, 2019 – A lovely second wine with cooked apples and peaches. Honey, too. Full-bodied, very sweet and bright.

Wine Enthusiast – 92 points

Almost entirely Sémillon, this wine is rich but not heavy. Lightness comes with the surprisingly intense acidity that balances the rich apricot and honey flavors. For a second wine, this has impressive quality, ready to drink from 2022.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 91 points

Composed of 94% Semillon, 3% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle, the pale lemon-gold colored 2017 Carmes de Rieussec comes bounding out of the glass with rambunctious scents of candied citrus peel, pineapple tart, green mango and fresh apricots with hints of honeycomb, musk perfume and lime blossoms. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with tropical and stone fruit flavors, offering seamless freshness and a long, honey-laced finish. Yum!