The 2016 Château Rieussec captures the essence of Sauternes at its finest. From the first pour, this Premier Cru Classé reveals the elegance, depth, and layered complexity that have made Rieussec one of the most sought-after sweet wines in Bordeaux. This vintage exemplifies the estate’s ability to balance opulence with freshness, creating a wine that is decadent yet precise, instantly appealing yet built for decades of aging.

Château Rieussec has a heritage stretching back to the 18th century, when Nicolas Rieussec first established the estate as a benchmark producer in Sauternes. The vineyards are planted on gravelly soils perfectly suited to Sémillon, while the nearby Ciron and Garonne rivers create the microclimate that allows botrytis to develop slowly and evenly. Over centuries, careful vineyard management and modern winemaking have elevated Rieussec into one of Bordeaux’s most respected sweet wine estates. Each vintage reflects the estate’s philosophy of harmony between richness and freshness, resulting in wines that are powerful, elegant, and layered.

The Wine - Château Rieussec, Sauternes

• Classification: Premier Cru Classé
• Vintage: 2016
• Blend: 83% Sémillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle
• Critics Scores: 96-97 points

2016 was a near-perfect vintage for Sauternes. Château Rieussec harnessed the precise balance of warmth and morning mist that defines the appellation, producing grapes perfectly affected by noble rot. The resulting wine is layered and expressive, with concentrated stone fruit, citrus brightness, and an aromatic complexity that unfolds sip after sip. The blend emphasizes Sémillon’s richness while Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle provide lift and perfume, resulting in a wine that is unmistakably Rieussec: decadent yet refined.

2016 Vintage Characteristics

• Beautiful floral and citrus aromas
• Rich, concentrated fruit
• Elegant, tightly wound layers
• Impressive aging potential

The 2016 growing season in Sauternes combined sunny days with cool, misty mornings along the Ciron River, allowing botrytis to develop slowly and evenly. This slow development produced wines with extraordinary aromatic precision, bright natural acidity, and concentrated fruit flavors. At Rieussec, this translated into a wine that is simultaneously lush and lively, with seamless freshness, elegant structure, and an incredibly long finish. This vintage is considered one of the best in recent decades for the estate, showing both immediate richness and decades of cellar potential.

Tasting Profile

The 2016 Château Rieussec reveals:

• Pale lemon color with golden highlights
• Aromas of orange blossom, pink grapefruit, yuzu
• Notes of honeycomb, mandarin peel, candied ginger
• Full-bodied with opulent texture
• Seamless freshness
• Long, fragrant finish

Sauternes

Sauternes is unique in Bordeaux for its ability to produce intensely sweet wines with remarkable balance. Morning mists and warm afternoons create the ideal environment for noble rot, concentrating sugars and flavors while retaining natural acidity. The gravel and clay soils amplify minerality and structure, giving the wines a long, complex finish. Rieussec stands out for its ability to express the terroir while producing wines that are both lush and vibrant, with aromatic depth and a persistent, elegant sweetness.

Expert Perspectives

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (96 points)

"Having shed a lot of the puppy fat from when I last tasted this from barrel, the palate reveals loads of elegant, tightly wound layers and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant."

Wine Enthusiast (96 points)

"This is a powerfully dense wine. It has intense botrytis and fine acidity, as well as sumptuous ripe marmalade and apricot flavors. This is certainly for long-term aging."

Impeccable Provenance

This case comes with a guaranteed and traceable history:

• Acquired Ex Chateau En Primeur in 2017
• Released between June 2018 and March 2019
• Initially stored at Dartess in Bordeaux
• Transferred to London City Bond in February 2020

Serving Recommendation

• Optimal drinking window: 2022-2050
• Best served chilled at 8-10°C