Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2001
Nothing in the year’s weather could foretell such a great result. The harvests began in mid-September with a preliminary sorting. And then the perfect scenario played out: light rains came on the weekend of the 22-23 September, and botrytis was absorbed by the grapes, causing rapid and uniform concentration, enhanced by a warm and windy Indian summer. The vineyard went from a golden yellow to botrytis violet in just three days. Under the action of the eastern wind, the botrytis wavered and wrinkled, contracting and concentrating the juices. Harvest was quick and concentrated, on a single pass for certain plots, which is unprecedented at Rieussec. In the early tastings, the nose is powerful and dominated by apricot and candied melon notes. In the mouth the attack is delicate and full of finesse. It then develops in volume and an amazing sensation arises in the mouth. The balance between acidity and liquor is so perfect that the sugar totally disappears. This very rare perception can only be experienced with exceptional Sauternes.
Actual bottle from our inventory is pictured. These bottles are in excellent condition, from their original wooden case and all fills are into the neck. All bottles are as good or better than the bottle pictured. To see other wines currently available from this producer, please click the link with the name of this producer underlined above, just to the right of "Producer."
Wine Advocate
A 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.
Score: 99.
—Robert Parker,
June
2004.
International Wine Cellar
Pale yellow-gold. Superripe nose dominated by honey and marzipan. Hugely ripe and deep, with compelling layers and depth of fruit. Superconcentrated, exotic flavors of apricot, minerals and coconut. Wonderfully chewy, thick and sweet, and extremely long on the aftertaste. A huge wine that will impress early but will really need a minimum of a decade to shed some of its baby fat. 95 points
Score: 95.
—Stephen Tanzer,
July
2004.
Wine Spectator
Like lemon curd on the nose, turning to honey and caramel. Full-bodied and very sweet, with fantastic concentration of ripe and botrytized fruit, yet balanced and refined. Electric acidity. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is absolutely mind-blowing. This is the greatest young Sauternes I have ever tasted. Best after 2010.
Score: 100.
—James Suckling,
September
15,
2004.
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