2001 Rieussec
By Chateau Rieussec
2001 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux
An odyssey in oenology, the 2001 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec holds a place of distinction among the hallowed vintages of Sauternes. Its inception was amidst the climatic generosity that marked the early autumn days of 2001, heralding a harvest of exceptional bounty and balance.
The Epitome of Sauternes Sophistication
This noble sweet wine, sourced from the prestigious terroirs of Chateau Rieussec, marries concentration with grace. A sumptuous composition of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle is fully rendered through meticulous vinification processes that capture every nuance of this unique year. From my very first encounter with this exquisite liquid gold, its sophistication was immediately evident, reinforced with each subsequent tasting.
A Vintage Shaped by Nature's Benevolence
The 2001 vintage was shaped by favourable climatic conditions in Bordeaux's renowned Sauternes region. A dry spring and an ideal summer set the stage for exemplary botrytis development, which in turn forged this wine's profound complexity. Indulging in a glass of the 2001 Rieussec reveals an opulent bouquet: acacia honey entwined with candied apricot and a whisper of toasted almond. On the palate, it unfolds in layers; tropical fruit and marmalade notes are balanced by fine acidity, culminating in a virtuoso finish resonant with sublime persistence.
Investment-wise, this storied label and specific vintage have become a confluence point for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to fortify their portfolios with proven longevity and outstanding quality.
A Connoisseur's Investment: The 2001 Rieussec's Standing
As years progress, my appreciation for the 2001 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec only deepens. In the tapestry of fine wines, it is as much a sensory marvel as it is a exemplar of investable wine. Its provenance from one of Bordeaux's most laudable estates renders it an asset worthy of discerning consideration—a linchpin addition to any collection that values both heritage and potential for appreciation.
Market price (CAD)
$1,520.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
45.5
Scores and tasting notes
This is a crazy wine! It's sweet, but not sugary. Mushrooms, furniture wax, spices then dried oranges, lemons, pineapples, and just a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied, with great density and power, yet balanced and refined. So amazing, but give this five to six years still. Pull the cork in 2016. 145 grams RS.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 29th 2012
A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153
Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 2001 Rieussec has a very intense bouquet with lifted notes of lime cordial, tropical fruit, light honey and a touch of coconut, that patina of new oak very strong and rendering it very Yquem-like. The palate has a sweet almond and Turkish Delight-tinged entry. For me, it is just a little oaky (50-60% new) although there is very good weight and intensity. It just seems to miss personality and tension towards the honeycomb and almond paste finish. I remember being more astounded by this a few years ago, but that oak needs to become more assimilated into the wine. Tasted February 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
The 2001 Rieussec is a blend of 96.5% Semillon and 3.5% Sauvignon Blanc picked between 17 September and 25 October in three tries. This is a somewhat controversial wine, one I have tasted many times. It seemed to flare with brilliance in its youth and subsequently never replicated that performance. Here, it has a mature nose with dried honey, yellow flowers and honeysuckle, the palate well balanced with ripe dried mango and orange rind notes, though it does not possess the same killer delineation as the 2005 on the finish. It remains a lovely Sauternes, but in this vertical tasting, I found more nervosité in the 2005, at least at this stage. The question is whether it will have a second wind later in life? Time will tell. Tasted April 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 January 2017