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Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, 2003 (375ml)

Name: Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, 2003 (375ml)
Brand: Acker Merrall & Condit [AC]
SKU: NYC-A-AC-DELTA-073126-CRS2003375-ROW8-BOX 4
Price: 49.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Dessert Wine from Bordeaux, France

by Chateau Rieussec

$49.99

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Classic Sauternes from a top property, now with the honeyed complexity that only mature age brings. Chateau Rieussec lies in the commune of Fargues, neighboring Yquem, and is a First Growth in the 1855 Sauternes classification. Like all great Sauternes, it's made from Semillon-led fruit affected by botrytis (the 'noble rot' that concentrates sugars and adds depth), picked grape by grape over multiple passes. 2003 was the scorching, drought-stricken summer that pre-concentrated the grapes before September rain set off a uniform botrytis, and the wines came in extraordinarily rich and opulent, with sugar levels rarely seen in the appellation. More than twenty years on, that opulence has settled into the dried-apricot and marmalade richness that makes aged sweet Bordeaux so compelling, and the half bottle is the ideal size for pouring a few glasses at the end of a meal. Serve well chilled.

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Antonio Galloni

93 points

"Medium yellow-gold. Reticent but pure aromas of fruit salad, spices and vanilla, lifted by floral and mineral nuances. Wonderfully honeyed, fat fruit flavors are complemented by cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The sexy oak treatment gives lift to the wine. A bit youthfully aggressive but very long on the back end, showing vanillin oak and a bit of warmth. But this one offers superb potential." —Stephen Tanzer

Robert Parker

87 points

"The 2003 Rieussec is a blend of 91% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle picked between 17 September and 1 October. Much deeper in color than other vintages, it has a mature, almost tropical mango and passion fruit nose that feels a little one-dimensional. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth on the entry, a little waxy in texture with nutmeg and dried honey notes on the mature, Tokaji-like finish. Given my previous remarks, I wonder if this Rieussec is in decline, especially as vintages of similar age appear to be prospering. Approach with caution. Tasted April 2016." —Neal Martin

Jancis Robinson

17 points

"Some honey tinge. Very intense slight brulée character on the nose. Very, very sweet – one slightly seeks a bit more acid. Still quite simple – barley sugar at the moment. I’d like a little more acid and complexity - but this will surely outlive the reds!" —Jancis Robinson

Wine Spectator

95 points

"Big, rich and juicy. Voluptuous, with aromas of caramel, apple and light tropical fruit. Full-bodied, round and very sweet, with loads of ripe fruit and a long butterscotch and piecrust aftertaste. Viscous texture. Hard not to drink it now. A wonderful sticky."

More about Chateau Rieussec

Owned by Rothschild since 1984, this Sauternes First Growth makes wines of astonishing complexity. The oak aging and extended bottle age potential set Rieussec apart—these aren't immediately sweet or cloying, but layered and profound.

Wine Details

Grape Variety

Semillon
Vintage

2003
Size

375ml
Sweetness

Sweet

Flatiron's Take

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Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Foie gras, Roquefort and other blue cheeses, apricot tart, or creme brulee. Equally good as a contemplative pour on its own.

Tasting Profile

Full, unctuous and sweet, the opulence of 2003 balanced by fresh acidity. Dried apricot, honey, orange marmalade and toffee from age. Long, lingering finish.