2014 Les Carmes de Rieussec
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Carmes de Rieussec is a very pretty wine that can be enjoyed now. Candied lemon peel, coconut, pear, chamomile and white flowers meld together nicely in the glass. The Carmes shows the brighter profile that is characteristic of this early-harvested second wine from Rieussec, but with the textural breadth that is typical of the year.
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James Suckling
Neal Martin
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Rieussec's second wine, the 2014 Carmes de Rieussec, shows just how compelling this vintage can be for Sauternes. The fresher side of the year comes through in a gorgeous wine made in a more moderately sweet style than the flagship. Scents of apricot jam, wild flowers, mint, coconut and lemon zest waft effortlessly from the glass. Totally nuanced in the glass, this delightful Sauternes is frankly better and more satisfying than the top wines at some other châteaus. The Carmes de Rieussec was made from fruit picked during the early part of the harvest, before botrytis arrived.
The Carmes de Rieussec 2014 is a blend of 92% Semillon and 4% each of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. It has a very pure and honeyed bouquet that demonstrates superb intensity. The palate is unctuous on the entry with a touch of ginger, plenty of botrytised fruit but just missing the persistence on the finish that cuts away a little swiftly, just as the wine is getting into its stride. Still, this should be a capable deuxième vin.
This is really excellent for the second wine of Rieussec. Spices, dried pineapple and dried mushrooms. Full, sweet and intense. Excellent.
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.