Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from South Africa, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Italy, Spain and more….

Timed Online Auction, 27 June - 15 July 2024

Bordeaux

Sold for

ZAR 5 863
Lot 194
  • Rieussec; Sauternes; 2009 - 2011; 5 (1 x 5); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 5 500 - 7 500
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 5 863
Location
Wine Storage

About this Item

2009 - 2011 Sauternes
5 (1 x 5) 750ml

Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (of Lafite), Rieussec is a Premier Cru Classé Sauternes property located in the commune of Fargues. Rieussec was first established as a wine estate by a chapter of Carmelite monks, who remained owners until the French Revolution when the property was siezed and auctioned off to a Bordeaux wine merchant, Jean-Baptiste Mareilhac. In 1984, Rieussec was purchased by Domaines Barons de Rothschild. The estate's 75 hectares of vines are planted with 89% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle. Despite its pedigree and exceptional quality, Rieussec offers relative value and ageability.

This lot consists of the following wines:
Rieussec Sauternes 2009 (1 x 750ml)
Rieussec Sauternes 2010 (3 x 750ml)
Rieussec Sauternes 2011 (1 x 750ml)

The vineyard is located in the Sauternes appellation, adjacent to the prestigious Château d'Yquem.

Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2009:
‘Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 Rieussec sings of crème caramel, chopped nuts, baked apples and spiced pears with hints of jasmine, peach blossoms and beeswax. Full-bodied, rich and decadently creamy in the mouth, the multilayered palate is beautifully lifted with fantastic freshness. It has a very long finish offering a lasting impression of great elegance and finesse. Simply stunning.’ – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, 98/100 (Mar 2019)

‘Very deep orangey gold. Green edge on golden-syrup aromas. Very big, very round, very confident and concentrated. Is this the Yquem? Lots of interest and detail here.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Feb 2019)

‘The 2009 Rieussec has long been a favourite of mine. It is a little deeper in colour than its peers. This is rich and powerful with clear honey, acacia, orange blossom and quince aromas, just a hint of crème caramel in the background. The palate is very well balanced with another superb line of acidity. Very pure and focused with captivating tension on the finish, the tongue tingling with Szechuan peppers on the aftertaste. Wonderful.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (Feb 2019)

‘This closed, reticent wine promises to pack a rich, generous punch in the future. Its potential shows in the botrytis flavor and the touches of smoky wood and apricot jelly. With this leashed power, it promises to be a very fine wine.’ – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 95/100 (Feb 2013)

2010:
‘The 2010 Rieussec is slightly more backwards on the nose. It is very focused with almond, saffron, orange pith and dried honey aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a harmonious entry. Impressive depth with lovely vanillary new oak, it is long and pure towards the finish. A Sauternes with pedigree. Superb.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 96/100 (Feb 2020)

‘A bit sweaty on the nose. Barley sugar. Fat, rich, intense. But not very clean? Slightly bitter finish.’ – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Feb 2020)

‘A muscular version, with dacquoise and marzipan notes leading the way for creamed orange, white peach, ginger, mirabelle compote and tangerine accents that pump through the piecrust-filled finish. Has the vintage's raw oomph, as well as range and cut for balance. Best from 2018 through 2035.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Mar 2015)

‘Structured firm, very spicy, while also showing fresh pineapple acidity. Concentrated and packed with botrytis.’ – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 95/100 (Jun 2011)

2011:
'Smells sweet and nutty. Really interesting with almond notes and the cut and race of molten marzipan. Dry finish. Notes of crème brûlée.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2021)

'The 2011 Rieussec, a blend of 95% Semillon, 2% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle is an absolute dream. There is wonderful precision and mineralité on the nose, the new oak more integrated than a few months ago. The palate is beautifully balanced with clear honey, brioche and pralines, a sensual Rieussec that is utterly charming, hints of nougat and almond lingering on the long finish. Gorgeous!' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Jan 2017)

'Layers of complex botrytis give this wine an immensely aromatic character. It is sumptuous and generous, ripe and full-bodied. The essential acidity comes through the dry structure of botrytis and sweet honey. The fruit is only just beginning to show and the wine is obviously very young. Drink from 2022.' - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 95/100 (May 2015)

View all Rieussec lots for sale in this auction