Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2001
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Chateau Rieussec is a prestigious winery located in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, France. As a Premier Cru Classé, which is the highest classification for Bordeaux wines, its wines are renowned for their exceptional quality and complexity. The Chateau produces notably sweet white wines made from a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, known for their noble rot or botrytis cinerea. The wines are deeply aromatic with honeyed flavors of apricots, peaches, and tropical fruits with a lingering syrupy finish. The estate has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and its wines have been highly coveted by wine enthusiasts around the world for their exceptional attributes.
Today, the vineyards owned by Chateau Rieussec extend over 93 hectares. They include sandy-clay soil that has a gravel-like texture. Additionally, the microclimate of the region is highly beneficial for the growth of most noble grape varieties. The winery uses conventional Sauternes techniques in the fields. The harvest of the matured grapes gets done selectively. It depends on the colour, texture, and plumpness of the fruit. Chateau Rieussec works with a low production to focus on each bottle of wine it develops. It ensures their high quality and standard.
Weather: The 2001 vintage was shaped by favourable climatic conditions in Bordeaux's renowned Sauternes region. A dry spring and an ideal summer set the stage for exemplary botrytis development, which in turn forged this wine's profound complexity.
Technical Information:
Grape Varieties: 96.5% Semillon and 3.5% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Bordeaux
Sub Region: Sauternes and Barsac
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Closure: Cork
Drink: Now to 2035
Tasting Note: A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035. - Tasted by Robert Parker
Today, the vineyards owned by Chateau Rieussec extend over 93 hectares. They include sandy-clay soil that has a gravel-like texture. Additionally, the microclimate of the region is highly beneficial for the growth of most noble grape varieties. The winery uses conventional Sauternes techniques in the fields. The harvest of the matured grapes gets done selectively. It depends on the colour, texture, and plumpness of the fruit. Chateau Rieussec works with a low production to focus on each bottle of wine it develops. It ensures their high quality and standard.
Weather: The 2001 vintage was shaped by favourable climatic conditions in Bordeaux's renowned Sauternes region. A dry spring and an ideal summer set the stage for exemplary botrytis development, which in turn forged this wine's profound complexity.
Technical Information:
Grape Varieties: 96.5% Semillon and 3.5% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Bordeaux
Sub Region: Sauternes and Barsac
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Closure: Cork
Drink: Now to 2035
Tasting Note: A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035. - Tasted by Robert Parker