2006 Rieussec
By Chateau Rieussec
2006 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Sauternes, the 2006 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec has etched its mark as a particularly memorable vintage, both for the connoisseur and the discerning wine investor. In my many years of traversing the liquid geography of Bordeaux's sweet wines, the 2006 stands resolute—an arresting embodiment of elegance and zest.
A Symphony of Climate and Craftsmanship
The conditions of 2006 were a serendipitous blend for Chateau Rieussec, witnessing a warm summer relieved by cooler nights closer to harvest, culminating in grapes that retained acidity while achieving optimum ripeness. The result is a Sauternes that harmonizes intense sweetness with refreshing verve—an essential asset for longevity in both flavour development and market value.
Cultivating Opulence: A Rich Tapestry of Flavours
To sip the 2006 Rieussec is to indulge in a decadent tapestry woven with threads of apricot marmalade, candied lemon peel, and a lattice of toasted almond—a vintage which expresses itself with impressive depth and complexity. It greets the palate with regal poise; a lavish yet meticulously structured Sauternes displaying poached pear and honeysuckle, underpinned by a precise mineral lineality akin to golden-veined marble.
As time progresses, so too does this vintage unfurl—proffering a kaleidoscope of tertiary bouquets that hint at earthy saffron and truffle nuances. For investors, this evolution in bottle represents not only an unfolding sensory delight but also an appreciating asset mirroring the intrinsic ascent in profile and scarcity over time.
A Resplendent Choice for Both Palate and Portfolio
In summary, the 2006 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec continues to evolve gracefully within the sanctum of the bottle. With its distinctive combination of vibrant acidity and luscious sweetness tempered by age, it emerges as an exquisite selection for those seeking to enrich their cellar or bolster their portfolio. This vintage encapsulates a remarkable year in Sauternes with an assured presence on the palate that echoes its investment potential—an opulent embroidery of nature's artistry interlaced with astute winemaking finesse.
Market price (HKD)
HK$3,310.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
25
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The Rieussec ’06 is adorned with a lighter, more fragrant, floral bouquet that does not quite have the freshness and delineation of the best 2006 Sauternes. It gains a little clarity with time. The palate is harmonious, very well balanced with good acidity counterbalancing the botrytized fruit. It has an irresistible mellifluous texture, long and languid on the rich, but focused finish. Excellent. Tasted January 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2010
The 2006 Rieussec is a blend of 94% Semillon, 3% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle picked between 5 September and 10 October. The bouquet is a little smudged at first with marmalade and quince aromas, bit it soon clarifies in the glass to deliver the first signs of secondary aromas of beeswax and lanolin. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, a little more angular than the 2007 with barley sugar, quince and a touch of spice, though just like the 2007, I feel it does not quite deliver the persistence on the finish that you might expect. Nevertheless, this remains a fine Rieussec to enjoy over the next 20-odd years. Tasted April 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 January 2017