Chateau Rieussec 'Carmes de Rieussec' Sauternes, Bordeaux, France 2020 [375ML]

In the 18th century, the Rieussec estate belonged to the Carmes de Langon monks. Sold as a “national inheritance” after the French Revolution, Rieussec experienced several changes of owners before being acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite in 1984. Since then, meticulous plot selection and important innovative methods have been used in the cellars to enhance quality. Château Rieussec is located in Fargues (adjacent to Château d’Yquem).

• Winemaker: Olivier Tregoat
• Varieties: 61% Sémillon, 39% Sauvignon Blanc
• Terroir:  Rieussec is one of the biggest estates of Sauternes with 227 acres of vines, situated on the “communes” of Sauternes and Fargues, high above the Garonne River, in a small area where the cold Autumn dawns help form the famous mist. It is this mist that many believe plays a major role in the development of botrytis cinerea (noble rot).
• Vinification: Grapes are pressed as soon as they arrive at the winery. After settling, the musts are transferred to new barrels for fermentation. Grapes from each plot are pressed and fermented separately. At the end of fermentation, the wines are kept on the lees and stirred regularly until mid-December.
• Aging: After a resting period, the wines are racked and blended before being returned to the barrels to age for about 12 months.
• Alcohol Content:  13.6%
  
• Tasting Notes:  The nose is subtle, with an initial minerality and notes of hot stone and dry grass after a storm. Fruity notes of fresh apricots and some white flowers follow.
  On the nose and palate, a Sauvignon aroma guides, with a light lemony feel and plenty of freshness on the palate. The confit is discreet, the wood very well integrated, giving life to a chiseled wine.