1989 Rieussec
By Chateau Rieussec
1989 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The illustrious 1989 vintage of the revered 1989 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec stands as a beacon of excellence within the pantheon of fine sweet wines. An exceptionally favourable season graced the vineyards of Sauternes, Bordeaux, imbuing this particular harvest with qualities that both mesmerise the palate and seduce the investor's portfolio.
The Symphony of a Season: A Vintage Character
The singular beauty of the 1989 vintage lies in its extraordinary balance of richness and vivacity. A relatively dry spring and summer gave way to just enough rainfall in September to prompt the noble rot necessary for concentrating the fruit's innate sugars and acids. This serendipity resulted in a 1989 Rieussec that exudes both opulent sweetness and a refreshing zest, distinguishing it from other vintages that may lean too heavily on either trait.
A Tapestry of Taste: Investment Meets Indulgence
The profile of the 1989 Rieussec captures attention immediately with its deep golden hue and thick, enveloping legs that coat the glass. On nosing, one is entranced by an exotic mélange of apricot preserves, honeycomb, and candied ginger, trailed by wafts of saffron and orange zest. The first sip confirms this liquid gold's promise: unctuous stone fruit layered over crème brûlée decadence, balanced by a spirited citrus finish that ensures each taste is climactic without cloying.
The 1989 vintage's combination of concentration and acidity has conferred upon it not just immediate hedonistic pleasure but also an impressive longevity. Today, the wine exhibits a glorious maturity with sumptuously evolved flavours, yet remains anchored by a backbone that suggests much life ahead—making it a prudent addition to any collection of fine wines.
In conclusion, in its fourth decade now, the 1989 Rieussec from Chateau Rieussec remains a testament to an extraordinary vintage enhanced by masterful winemaking. It offers an investment in liquid history; an opulent tapestry woven with threads of botrytised complexity, bearing witness to the alchemy between climate and vine in Bordeaux's fabled terroir. Whether for immediate delectation or as an appreciating asset, this is a treasure for connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Market price (GBP)
£840.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
49.41
Scores and tasting notes
Dense and amazing with a thick mouthfeel and so much dried apple, apricot, and lemon character. It's long, sweet and intense. So much going on here. Love it. Love the 1989 vintage for Sauternes.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 3rd 2012
After a period of prolonged disjointedness, this wine has pulled itself together. The color is deep straw, and the wine displays an intense perfume of creme brulee custard, baked apple pie, and sweet, ripe pineapples and pears. Full-bodied, rich, alcoholic, and fat, with low acidity and considerable sweetness, this is a luxuriously rich, unctuously-textured, heavyweight Sauternes that should become more civilized with age. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025. Last tasted 11/97
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 1997
The 1989 is a lovely Rieussec that seems to show a little better each time we meet. Here it has a slightly more precocious bouquet than previous example with a lifted botrytized element. Scents of marmalade and quince mingle with honey and peach, whilst the palate demonstrates good weight - viscous on the entry and little more conviction towards the finish that had hitherto been missing. I remain cautious about the 1989 Rieussec, but it is one to watch carefully over the next decade. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013