2019 Carmes de Rieussec (375ml)

Being owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (of Lafite fame) has been a boon for Chateau Rieussec. Since taking over the property in 1984, the planted vineyard area has increased from nearly 40 hectares to roughly 90 hectares today. Investment has also been made in the cellars, and the winemaking team are now better placed to work with the multiple small lots stemming from various parcels and picking runs through the vineyard. Across the various plots the plantings are broken down as 90% Semillon, 7% Sauvignon Blanc, and 3% Muscadelle, and the wines are aged in roughly 50% new French oak. The chateau also produces a second wine called Carmes de Rieussec, which is subjected to the same rigour in the vineyard and winery as the first wine, however the emphasis with Carmes is more on beautiful aromatics and citrus flavours. Barrels showing more of these traits are selected to be bottled as Carmes de Rieussec after 18 months of elevage.

A viscous, honey coated Sauternes that still manages to show a sense of refinement.

Pale gold colour. Exotic aromatics of apricot, pineapple and honey laced peaches mix with marmalade, hints of dried fig and spice. Viscous, honey coated flavours of peach and apricot are draped across the sweet, juicy palate with dried pineapple, subtle marmalade and spiced fig elements dancing across the back half. Showing a sense of freshness and refinement, it finishes long and luscious.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%