Ch. Rieussec
1st Growth Premier Cru Classe
Sauternes
2011

The producer

The immediate neighbour to the east of d’Yquem in the commune of Fargues, Rieussec sits at one of the highest points of the plateau – as you might expect for a property that was a convent until the French Revolution.

The 75 hectares of vineyards are planted to 85% Semillon, 13% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle – although the percentage of Semillon is usually higher in the finished wine. Rieussec has been part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild portfolio since 1985 so there have been no lack of resources to develop the best wine possible. Barrel fermentation and long ageing in barrel, over 50% of which is new, results in one of the richest and most luscious Sauternes but one that retains an amazing freshness and balance.

The wine

Rieussec is sourced from vineyards at 79 meters of elevation just below the vineyards of d’Yquem. The blend varies a little with vintage conditions but usually comprises a minimum of 90-95% Semillon, complemented with soupcons of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels and is followed by 18-26 months of ageing in 50-55% new oak. Rieussec is one of the most refreshing, balanced, and succulent of all Sauternes, yet one of the richest and most luscious with great complexity and a pleasantly bitter lift on the long finish.

We choose our wines based on a range of criteria (see how we choose our wines) of which critic scores is just one. Rather than simply highlight the best score to promote a wine, our average critic score is calculated from the scores provided by several respected wine critics, who we follow for specific regions. They do not represent all critic scores and, wherever possible, we try and give more weight to more recent reviews. Where appropriate we consider market-based scores like Global Wine Score or Wine Searcher Average scores.

As a rule, we look to offer wines that achieve a 92/100 average critic score or better and frankly a lot of very good wines simply don’t make the cut. As a high-end provider we want to reflect that positioning in the quality of wines we offer. Such wines are only a tiny fraction of those generally on offer in the market. We believe that an average score is a more conservative and representative approach, but it is still subjective and only offered as a guide to our customers, who will (and should) do their own research. We will add individual critic scores to our website in the future.