2002 Rieussec
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Rieussec is a blend of 85% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc And 7% Muscadelle. Picked between 12 September and 5 November the nose is a bit disappointing: dried honey, peach skin and lanolin, but lacking the freshness of the 2001 Rieussec. The palate is fresh on the entry and makes up for the nose, well balanced with fresh acidity, nicely poised with spice-tinged honeyed fruit with mango and clementine lingering on the finish. This is a Sauternes just hobbled by the aromatics, frustrating as the palate still has much to offer. Tasted April 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Medium yellow-gold. Young, pure and rather restrained on the nose, with the wine's oak component currently dominating exotic fruits, hazelnut and honey. Quite opulent on the attack, then large-scaled and solidly structured in the middle palate, withflavors of apricot, honey and clove. Big but not heavy, and not yet showing the flavor interest of the 2003. But this is quite closed today. Finishes thick, strong and long, with notes of vanilla, spices and nuts.
Yellow-gold color. Very ripe, smoky aromas of apricot, cling peach, vanilla and toasted grain. Penetrating and powerful if not especially unctuous, with subtle peach and vanillin oak flavors framed by rather strong acidity. In fact, this is almost youthfully hard-edged on the back end, and appears to be built to last.
Pale copper. Vegetal nose with distinctly green notes. Lovely molten overripe pear notes on the nose combined with real delicacy and some toast. Thoroughly successful even if not one of the biggest. Very slightly dry on the finish. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Rieussec is a top, Premier Cru Classé Sauternes estate that is part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild stable, along with First Growth Ch. Lafite Rothschild.