Château Rieussec, Les Carmes de Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France, 2017 (375mL)

Overview of the Wine
The history of this famous Chateau, which is located in the commune of Fargo, close to Château d'Yquem, stretches back centuries. Once Chateau Rёssekwas owned by the Carmelite monks. Origin of the name Rieussec remains unknown, although Clive Coates in the "Grands Vins" writes that the name may be an abbreviation of Ruis - river flow that passes between Rёssek and Yquem. After the revolution of the XVIII century the estate was nationalized and changed many owners. For several generations, Château Rёssek along with Château d'Yquem was among the leading producers of wines of Sauternes. Even in 1868, Charles Cocks remarked that "Rёssek produces wines that are very similar to Yquem wines".

Today vineyards Chateau Rieussecoccupy one of the highest points in Sauternes, adjacent to the east with vineyards d'Ikem and cover 90 of the 130 hectares of the total area of the Chateau Rёssek. Soils are mainly gravel mixed with limestone. Vines average 25 years, 90% of the land given to the variety Semillon, holds 7% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle. At the winery, fully restored Rothschild in 1989, installed pneumatic presses that help a thorough treatment of the fruit. In winemaking used small barrels so that each vintage can be individually controlled and evaluate it. Before aging wines undergo a rigorous selection, selected as the "Grand Vin" ripen up to 26 months in oak barrels, of which about half is updated every year. If the quality does not match, the wine is classified as a second - "Carmen de Rёssek", named after the first owners - Karm de Langon monks. Chateau also produces wine "Clos Laber" and "Chateau de Cos," as well as a dry white wine "R de Rieussec", made from grapes nebotritizirovannogo and consisting of roughly equal proportions of the varieties Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Total Château produces about 10,000 bottles of wine, depending on the crop.

Winemaker
Olivier Trégoat

Grape / Blend
Muscadelle, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc

Origin
Bordeaux, France

Tasting Notes
Rieussec's second wine, Carmes de Rieussec, takes its name from the founders of the estate, the Carmelite Monks. The same care and attention that goes into the Grand Vin is also used for the second wine. A blend of 80-90% Sémillon with the rest a balance of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, Carmes de Rieussec is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Notes of acacia flowers, fresh pear, candied citrus and apricots compliment a well rounded structure with tight acidity and a long, satisfying finish. 

90 Points - Ian Blackburn
This 2nd label is so seductive!  at less than $30 it is a crowd pleasure.  Straw yellow hues, honeyed grapefruit rind and Orange marmalade with spices and zippy acidity.  Color 13/15 (youthful), Aroma 23/25, Body 23/25, Overall 31/35 = 90 points which I think is a great score for a young, drink me now Sauternes of this price.  I recommend this highly as a way to improve the quality of everyday life.

These reviews are for the first wine of Rieussec, we have the second. The 2016 got 96+, the 2017 got 97.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2017)
A blend of 83% Semillon and 17% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 Rieussec is pale to medium lemon-gold colored. To begin, the nose blows you away with intense lemon tart, lime cordial, mango and quince notes followed by a second wave of floral, orange blossoms and honeysuckle scents, and then notes of crushed rocks, crème caramel and marzipan join the party. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is still very tightly wound with concentrated sweetness and a racy backbone to match, delivering layer upon layer of citrus and savory flavors, finishing on a persistent mineral note.

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2016)
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.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016)
Barrel Sample. Made by the Lafite-Rothschild team, this is a powerfully dense wine. It has intense botrytis and fine acidity, as well as sumptuous ripe marmalade and apricot flavors. This is certainly for long-term aging.

93 Points - Wine Spectator (2016)
Quite fresh, with acacia and honeysuckle notes out front, followed by a stream of mirabelle plum, yellow apple, pineapple and white peach flavors. Offers an unctuous feel on the finish while staying on the brighter side. Among the top efforts in the vintage. Best from 2022 through 2035. 500 cases made. 

Product size: 750ml

This wine will roll into 2017 when current inventory of 2016 ends.