An emblem of Sauternes’ great sweet wines, Château Rieussec 2013 celebrates the art of controlled sweetness. Classified as a 1er Cru in 1855, it has belonged since 1984 to Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), guarantors of a stylistic rigor that combines aromatic purity, balance and length. The terroir, a vast amphitheatre of 85 hectares of sandy-clay gravel, provides ripeness and concentration, while extended oak ageing, predominantly in new barrels, gives the wine a plush texture and spicy precision. The 2013 vintage reveals a luminous bouquet of acacia blossom, mirabelle plum, apricot and bitter orange, matched by subtle oak. On the palate, the sweet nectar unfolds with a straight, fresh and persistent structure, finishing finely and demanding gastronomy. Served chilled, this Sauternes celebrates nuance and sensuality, with a cellaring potential of 5 to 30 years or more for those willing to wait.

Blend and vinification

The character of Château Rieussec 2013 stems from a blend dominated by Sémillon, supported by Sauvignon Blanc and a hint of Muscadelle for floral lift. The expression of this classic Sauternes trio is refined through 18 to 26 months of ageing in oak barrels, with a high proportion of new wood, to add dimension, creaminess and complexity without ever masking the fruit. The targeted style is a precise sweet wine, driven by sovereign freshness and a satiny texture. This alchemy allows the 2013 to show a broad, vibrant mouthfeel where richness is balanced by a taut backbone and an aristocratic aromatic persistence.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Deep gold with luminous, almost sunlit highlights, offering a clear and profound brilliance. Delicate viscosity signals concentrated material, while the brightness of the disc announces a welcome freshness that balances the wine’s generosity.
• Nose : Initial floral register of acacia blossom, then ripe yellow fruits, mirabelle and apricot, backed by zests of candied orange and a honeyed hint. The finely toasted oak remains in the background, letting the fruit take centre stage. With aeration, soft spice and dried fruit notes emerge, promising growing complexity over time.
• Palate : Silky, caressing attack, generous yet held in check by structuring freshness. The mid-palate unfolds on roasted apricot, bitter orange and subtle toasted almond accents. The long, precise finish gains momentum, supported by a savoury thread that prolongs the flavours and signs the vintage’s elegance.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve Château Rieussec 2013 between 6 and 8°C in white wine glasses with a generous bowl to encourage the progressive expression of its bouquet. Allowing the bottle to open a few minutes before service helps the candied citrus and acacia notes to blossom. Store bottles on their side, protected from light and temperature fluctuations. Thanks to its structure, this 1er Cru Classé has a cellaring potential of 5 to 30 years or more, evolving toward more polished, intensely spiced and honeyed harmonies while retaining remarkable backbone.

Food and wine pairings

• Aperitifs : foie gras toasts, puff-pastry bites with dried fruit, roasted almonds. The 2013’s freshness balances richness and awakens the palate.
• Starters : steamed lobster, scallop carpaccio with citrus, poultry terrine with apricots. The wine’s nectar embraces delicate textures and enhances zests.
• Main courses : roast poultry with citrus, gently spiced Asian cuisine, poached lobster. The wine’s savoury finish responds gracefully to delicate flavours.
• Cheeses : Roquefort and blue-veined cheeses, for a striking contrast between salt, creaminess and the Sauternes’ sweetness.
• Desserts : thin apricot tart, desserts with candied orange, exotic fruit sorbets that echo the wine’s liveliness and extend its finish.

Occasions

Château Rieussec 2013 is the companion for moments when indulgence dons elegance, to seal a memory that lasts.

• To celebrate a milestone event, when sweetness must pair with distinction and aromatic precision.
• At a gastronomic dinner where the nectar, kept taut by freshness, complements fine seafood cooking and delicate textures.
• As an exceptional gift for an enlightened enthusiast, especially since this 2013 was awarded 2 étoiles au Guide Hachette 2017, and is built to last.

Specifications

• Name : Château Rieussec 2013
• Appellation : Sauternes AOC
• Classification : 1er Cru Classé 1855
• Type : Sweet white wine
• Vintage : 2013
• Grape varieties : Sémillon 81%, Sauvignon Blanc 17%, Muscadelle 2%
• Ageing : 18 to 26 months in oak barrels, significant proportion of new wood
• Terroir : Sandy-clay gravel soils, vineyard of around 85 ha
• Production : around 72,000 bottles
• Cellaring : 5 to 30 years or more
• Serving temperature : 6–8°C
• Owner : Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)