2011 Rieussec
By Chateau Rieussec
2011 Rieussec from Château Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The 2011 vintage for Sauternes was met with bated breath and high expectations, and the offering from Château Rieussec did not merely meet, but transcended these expectations. This 2011 Rieussec is an expression of dexterity in winemaking amid challenging climatic whims faced by Bordeaux that year.
Pedigree and Poise: A Fitting Choice for Fine Wine Aficionados
In the realm of fine wine investment, the pedigree of a château is akin to lineage – vital but not sole determinant of value. Château Rieussec, with its storied past and connection to the Rothschild family since 1984, brings a notable cachet. However, it is the equipoise between adherence to tradition and innovative spirit that makes their vintages wisely assessable assets.
A Vintage Dancing on Sunbeams
The balances struck in the 2011 Sauternes vintage are poetic. An early start to the season introduced a veneer of jeopardy with threats of frost, yet it was followed by an extended summertime basked in sunlight. The botrytis cinerea or 'noble rot', which festoons Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes in this region, found in 2011 the quintessential conditions to flourish, culminating in layers of concentrated complexity within the final nectar.
In this 2011 Rieussec from Château Rieussec, expect to be greeted by an opulent bouquet teeming with tropical fruit scents alongside a mesmeric fusion of honeyed apricot and caramelised fig. Its opulence on the palate does not cloy but rather pirouettes with grace through vibrant acidity, punctuating each sip with life-affirming vigour - a quality that hints at impressive longevity.
The engaging nature of this particular vintage will appeal to both collectors and connoisseurs, making it a prized addition to any portfolio. In tasting, its laden golden hue promises a voyage into the essence of an autumnal harvest encapsulated in a bottle; a journey that will reward patience with increased depth and nuance over time.
Summation: An Exemplary Investment from an Exceptional Year
The astute investor recognises that not all vintages are created equally – and in this regard, the 2011 Rieussec is compelling. Herein lies an amalgam of precise timing, fortuitous weather conditions and winemaking acumen; a trilogy translating into liquid gold that will resonate in taste and value for years to come.
Market price (USD)
$463.90
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
22.35
Scores and tasting notes
This shows incredible freshness and power, with dried pineapples, mangoes and papayas. Full body, medium-sweet with electrifying acidity. Vibrates your palate. Barrel sample still.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 19th 2014
The 2011 Rieussec, a blend of 95% Semillon, 2% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle is an absolute dream. There is wonderful precision and mineralité on the nose, the new oak more integrated than a few months ago. The palate is beautifully balanced with clear honey, brioche and pralines, a sensual Rieussec that is utterly charming, hints of nougat and almond lingering on the long finish. Gorgeous! Tasted April 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 January 2017
The 2011 Rieussec has a lifted, at the moment quite oaky, bouquet with scents of honey, almond and pineapple. Hopefully it will develop more definition by the time of bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with tropical fruit and mandarin on the entry and a satisfying viscous core of honeyed fruit. It seems a little disjointed towards the finish, although I am sure it will become more cohesive by the time of bottling. For me, it just seems a little predictable. Drink 2015-2028+.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #200