2013 Ch Rieussec 1er Cru Half Bottle 375ml, Sauternes

This is really mind-blowing with super concentration of botrytis showing dried mushrooms, dried apricots, and lemon. Lemon curd and sorbet. Full-bodied, medium sweet, dense and layered. Goes on for minutes. A triumph. Drink or hold.

98 points jamessuckling.com

Château Rieussec 1er Cru Classé from Sauternes is one of the great sweet wines of Bordeaux, revered for its opulence, purity and extraordinary longevity. Classified as a Premier Cru in the historic 1855 classification, Rieussec has been producing noble wines since the 18th century and today is owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), whose stewardship has elevated the estate to consistent excellence.

The vineyards lie adjacent to Château d’Yquem on some of the finest gravel and clay-limestone soils in Sauternes, ideally suited to the development of botrytis cinerea, the noble rot that concentrates sugar and flavour while maintaining acidity. The blend is dominated by Sémillon, with smaller portions of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Grapes are hand picked in multiple passes through the vineyard to select only perfectly botrytised berries. Fermentation and maturation take place in French oak barriques, about half of them new, for around 18 to 24 months.

In the glass it shines deep gold with amber glints. The aroma is luscious and layered, offering apricot, marmalade, acacia honey and candied citrus peel alongside hints of saffron, vanilla and roasted nuts. The palate is rich and unctuous yet beautifully balanced by acidity, with flavours of dried apricot, orange zest, honeycomb and crème brûlée. The finish is long, silky and endlessly complex, leaving a lingering note of spice and toasted almond.

Château Rieussec pairs magnificently with blue cheese, foie gras, roasted poultry, or desserts featuring fruit, custard or caramel. It is also sublime with spicy Asian dishes or simply enjoyed as a meditation wine. Already captivating young, it will cellar effortlessly for several decades, gaining layers of toffee, dried fruit and spice with age.