Rieussec Sauternes 1er Cru 2016

Category:
 
Sweet Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Rieussec
Label Name:
 
Sauternes 1er Cru
Vintage:
 
2016
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Sauternes (Graves), Bordeaux — Fargues
Volume:
 
375ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
83% Sémillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
5
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
8-10°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 97–99, Wine Enthusiast 97, Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown 96, Decanter 96, Jeb Dunnuck 97, Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 94–97, Wine Spectator 93

Tasting Note
Lush honeyed apricot, orange marmalade and pineapple framed by pronounced botrytis, candied ginger and spice; bright citrus lift and creamy oak lead to a long, honeyed finish.

Food Pairing
Foie gras (seared or terrine), blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton), fruit tarts and crème brûlée; Asian: mango sticky rice, mildly spiced Thai curry, Peking duck with hoisin.

Production Method
Selective multiple hand-harvests of botrytised grapes, fermentation in oak barrels, aged 18–26 months with ~50% new oak; blended and bottled at the château.

Vineyard Info
Château Rieussec (93 ha) — Premier Cru Classé (1855). Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) since 1984; vineyards border Château d’Yquem on gravelly, sandy-clay soils.