Bordeaux-themed
Timed Online Auction, 7 - 21 October 2024
Bordeaux | International
About this Item
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.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘The 1996 Rieussec has a lucid golden color. The nose is quite mature with burnt toffee, mandarin and barley sugar scents, quite perfumed and intense, although I suggest lacking the class and precision of more recent vintages. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, viscous on the entry with acacia honey, red plums, a hint of marzipan and a dash of spice towards the finish. There is good body here, fine persistence, even if it lacks the finesse of more recent vintages.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (Jan 2017)
‘Very pure botrytis aromas. Massively sweet – a real statement – but with lots of interest and subtlety on the finish. Real follow-through, and a bit of burnt caramel on the finish. So powerful! Great balance and confidence. Very long indeed.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18.5/20 (Feb 2011)
‘Straw-gold. Marzipan, honey and toasted hazelnut on the nose. Moderately viscous and currently rather oaky. Has an impressively chewy texture but is not yet displaying its personality. Finishes with some youthful harshness. The '97 is at once stronger and finer.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 90/100 (Jul 1999)
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