Chateau Rieussec   Rieussec

2002 Rieussec

By Chateau Rieussec

2002 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux

Standing with stature amongst its peers, the 2002 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec is one such vintage that captures the imagination with its harmonious embodiment of Sauternes' distinguished tradition. Ensconced in the noble surrounds of Bordeaux, Chateau Rieussec has nurtured this vintage to an opulent state of grace, an offering of signal merit for fine wine investors.

 

The Tycoon's Year: A Testament to Terroir and Temperament

The season of 2002 rendered itself a tycoon amongst years, imparting a unique identity on the grapes through its gentle warmth and judicious precipitation. The resulting harvest for Chateau Rieussec yielded fruit not laden with flamboyance but rather imbued with finesse, yielding a Sauternes that embraces balance over bravado.

In tasting, the 2002 Rieussec ensnares the senses with a rich tapestry of aromatic apricot, laced with ethereal veils of wildflower honey and candied ginger. These are judiciously anchored by a core of crystalline acidity—a hallmark trait securing its longevity and making it a steadfast candidate for investment.

 

An Investment in Liquid Gold

Segueing to the palate, it beguiles with unctuous layers; a mélange of orange marmalade and saffron thread elegantly twine around a spine of minerality so typical of Sauternes from a poised vintage. As years wane, this 2002 Rieussec shall unfurl further complexities—already it stakes claim as an articulate expression akin to liquid Mahogany.

As I muse upon this creation from Chateau Rieussec, investors should note the particular pedigree held by the 2002 vintage. With an alluring combination of form and foreseeability, this poised pour posits longevity and beckons collectors who appreciate that certain vintages transcend their own era. Adroit in composition and dignified in descent, it is one to be coveted for cellars and portfolios alike.

In summa, the 2002 Rieuseec encapsulates both the brilliance of its year and those immutable characteristics that endure in seeking wines which are both hedonic and prudent investments. It remains a liquid affirmation that even as vineyards dream in winter's repose, nature conspired to create something quietly spectacular at Chateau Rieussec in 2002—a vintage befitting both admiration and astute acquisition.

Current market price

£370.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

37

Scores and tasting notes

90

Space limitations preclude including tasting notes. 2002 was an average vintage.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #158

89-91

Very little on the nose: quite soft with white flowers. The palate has a good level of botrytis: quite rich and honeyed. Not as sublime as the Doisy-Daene but still a very good wine this year. Tasted April 2003.

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal

89

The 2002 Rieussec is a blend of 85% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc And 7% Muscadelle. Picked between 12 September and 5 November the nose is a bit disappointing: dried honey, peach skin and lanolin, but lacking the freshness of the 2001 Rieussec. The palate is fresh on the entry and makes up for the nose, well balanced with fresh acidity, nicely poised with spice-tinged honeyed fruit with mango and clementine lingering on the finish. This is a Sauternes just hobbled by the aromatics, frustrating as the palate still has much to offer. Tasted April 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 January 2017

Vintage performance