Château RIEUSSEC - Les Carmes de Rieussec - Half Bottle 2020
Château Rieussec, a historic property of Sauternes and classified as Premier Grand Cru in 1855, is an essential reference of Barsac Sauternais. Located on the gravelly slopes neighboring Château d’Yquem, it benefits from an exceptional terroir marked by the autumn mists of the Ciron, essential for the development of botrytis cinerea which concentrates the berries and sculpts the great sweet wines. For several decades, the estate has undergone major technical improvements that have elevated the precision and purity of its wines more than ever. Les Carmes de Rieussec, the estate’s second wine, is its most accessible expression, favoring indulgence and freshness while retaining the house’s emblematic aromatic signature. The 2020 half bottle format is ideal for an intimate tasting, a discovery, or a timely pairing with a dessert or aged cheese.
Les Carmes de Rieussec 2020 is made from a blend dominated by Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Muscadelle, from parcels selected for their aromatic finesse. The 2020 vintage, marked by alternating warmth and humidity favorable to the development of botrytis, allowed harvesting very concentrated berries, offering a beautiful richness without excess. Fermentations take place in barrels and vats, with partial aging in wood to bring roundness, complexity, and structure, while maintaining a bright fruity expression. The final blend seeks balance between aromatic intensity, generous sweetness, and acidic tension to avoid any heaviness. Bottling in half bottles, besides its practicality, promotes a slightly faster evolution and offers a pleasant aromatic intensity from the first years.
On tasting, Les Carmes de Rieussec 2020 reveals a luminous golden robe with honey reflections. The nose opens with aromas of roasted peach, candied apricot, poached pear, and orange zest, enriched by notes of honey, crème brûlée, and white flowers. On the palate, the attack is smooth and fruity, with a broad and velvety texture dominated by candied yellow fruits, honey, and a hint of roasted pineapple. The acidity, well present, brings freshness and balance to the generous sweetness, extending the tasting without heaviness. The finish is long, harmonious, recalling notes of honey, soft vanilla, and dried apricot. In food and wine pairings, this 2020 beautifully accompanies a half-cooked foie gras, Roquefort, apricot tart, a dessert with candied citrus, or simply a vanilla pastry. Served well chilled, it reveals all its precision and indulgence.
Grape varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle.
