2016 Rieussec
By Chateau Rieussec
2016 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux
An illustrious name that evokes liquid gold and unctuous delight, the 2016 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec is a lens into the excellence of a distinguished Sauternes vintage, which manages to both respect tradition and encapsulate the distinctive nuances of its year.
Success in a Challenging Vintage
The growing season for 2016 in Bordeaux met challenges head-on with a wet spring followed by a sublime summer which lingered into autumn. This fortuitous turn in the weather created an ideal environment for the noble rot, botrytis cinerea, to work its magic on the fruit – concentrating sugars, flavours and acidity. The resultant 2016 Rieussec is one of meticulous balance; a virtuoso blend of richness and elegance that speaks volumes not only of the terroir but also of Chateau Rieussec's mastery over Sauternes' capricious clime.
Glorious Expression of Terroir and Time
The tasting reveals a tapestry woven with opulent threads of apricot preserve, candied ginger and honeysuckle, seamlessly integrated with smoky oak nuances and an alluring beeswax note. On the palate, it dances between luscious marmalade and zesty citrus rinds framed by a refreshing acidity that belies its viscous allure. Even as it coats the mouth with indulgent sweetness, there persists an almost paradoxical freshness – testament to the finesse achieved in this particular harvest.
Investors be aware; this 2016 vintage promises exceptional cellar potential. Its precocious charm at present is a mere whisper of what is to come with patient maturation. As such, it's an investment-worthy collectable, certain to command attention from those seeking to diversify their portfolios with storied labels.
Herein lies a transcendent example of what meticulous vintage analysis can reveal: the 2016 Rieussec is not merely another heralded label from Chateau Rieussec — it's a unique snapshot of place and time. It stands out in an enviable lineage of illustrious vintages for its particular harmony of concentration and vitality. For connoisseurs or investors alike, acquiring this wine would be to secure a piece of 2016's climatic ballet captured by the adept hands at Chateau Rieussec.
Market price (USD)
$430.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
18.42
Scores and tasting notes
Lots of botrytis here in addition to dried mushrooms and dried fruit such as pineapple and peaches. Medium to full body. Medium sweet. Very long and intense. A triumph.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017
Pale lemon colored, the 2016 Rieussec comes sashaying out of the glass with a beautiful floral and citrus perfume of orange blossom, pink grapefruit, yuzu, lime leaves, lemongrass and fallen leaves with hints of nutmeg and candied ginger. Having shed a lot of the puppy fat from when I last tasted this from barrel, the palate reveals loads of elegant, tightly wound layers and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 29 March 2019
Ginger nose. Solid, a little yeoman-like. Almost as though they have given up trying for sophistication with this wine. Very sweet with the acidity slightly uncomfortably low.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com