Château Rieussec 1988, Sauterne

Château Rieussec 1988, Sauterne

Château Rieussec – A Benchmark in Sauternes Excellence

Château Rieussec stands as one of the most prestigious and historically significant estates in Sauternes, consistently producing exceptional sweet wines with remarkable richness, complexity, and aging potential. Classified as a Premier Grand Cru in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Rieussec has long been regarded as one of the finest producers of noble rot-affected wines, rivaling even the legendary Château d’Yquem.

A Legacy of Quality Since the 18th Century

The history of Château Rieussec dates back to the 18th century, when it was owned by Carmelite monks before the French Revolution. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands multiple times, always maintaining its reputation for producing some of the greatest Sauternes wines.

In 1984, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired Château Rieussec, bringing its winemaking expertise and dedication to excellence. Under Rothschild’s leadership, the estate has refined its viticulture and winemaking processes, ensuring that every vintage of Rieussec reflects the highest standards of quality.

Exceptional Terroir in the Heart of Sauternes

Château Rieussec’s 93-hectare vineyard is ideally situated on the border of Fargues and Sauternes, two of the most prestigious appellations for sweet wine. The estate benefits from:

• Gravelly and sandy soils that provide excellent drainage and concentration in the grapes.

• Morning mists from the Garonne River, which create the perfect conditions for Botrytis cinerea (noble rot), a key factor in Sauternes’ unique complexity.

• A meticulous selection process, ensuring that only the finest botrytized grapes are used in the final blend.

The vineyard is predominantly planted with Sémillon (80%), which contributes richness and structure, along with Sauvignon Blanc (17%) for freshness and acidity, and a small percentage of Muscadelle (3%) for floral aromatics.

The Winemaking Process – Crafting Liquid Gold

Château Rieussec follows a highly selective and artisanal approach to winemaking, ensuring that only the best fruit makes it into the final blend. Key elements of their process include:

• Selective manual harvesting, with multiple passes through the vineyard to pick only the perfectly botrytized grapes.

• Slow fermentation in oak barrels, allowing for maximum extraction of flavors and aromas.

• Aging in 50-55% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, adding depth, spice, and structure.

The result? A wine that is lusciously rich, intensely aromatic, and beautifully balanced, capable of aging for decades while developing even greater complexity.

Signature Style – Power Meets Elegance

Château Rieussec is known for producing full-bodied, intensely flavored Sauternes with layers of:

• Honeyed apricot, candied citrus, and exotic tropical fruits

• Toasted almonds, vanilla, and caramel from oak aging

• A vibrant acidity that balances the sweetness, ensuring freshness and longevity

Unlike some lighter Sauternes, Rieussec offers a bold, opulent, and structured profile that appeals to lovers of rich, concentrated dessert wines.

Critical Acclaim and Recognition

Château Rieussec consistently earns high scores from top wine critics, often ranking among the best Sauternes of each vintage:

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: Regularly scores 95+ points, praising its depth and complexity.

• Wine Spectator: Frequently places Rieussec among the top sweet wines worldwide.

• Decanter & Vinous: Recognize its power, aging potential, and exceptional balance.

Notably, the 2001 vintage of Château Rieussec was awarded 100 points by Wine Spectator, solidifying its status as one of the greatest Sauternes ever produced.

Aging Potential – Built for the Long Haul

Rieussec’s wines develop magnificently with age, evolving from fresh and honeyed fruit notes into complex layers of dried fruits, saffron, caramel, and crème brûlée. With proper cellaring, great vintages can easily last 30 to 50 years, making them a true collector’s gem.

Why Choose Château Rieussec?

For those who appreciate world-class sweet wines, Château Rieussec offers a stunning balance of luxurious richness and vibrant energy. Whether enjoyed young for its freshness or aged for its complex evolution, Rieussec remains a benchmark for Sauternes lovers.

Château Rieussec – A Golden Expression of Bordeaux’s Sweetest Treasure.