2018 Rieussec

The 2018 Rieussec does come across a little oaky on the nose, although that is always the case here. Underneath lies plenty of honeyed fruit and touches of lemon curd, almond and apricot. The palate is well balanced, offering very pure honeyed fruit laced with vanilla, almond and hints of nougat, and more apricot and peach toward the finish. This will be a very seductive Rieussec, but afford it 4–5 years to fully assimilate the oak.

Composed of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, the pale lemon-gold colored 2018 Rieussec slowly unfurls to offer fragrant orange blossoms, honeycomb and candied ginger scents with a core of lemon marmalade, baked pears and spice cake, plus a hint of preserved citrus peel. The palate is light on its feet with zippy freshness lifting the well-knit sweetness, finishing long with a skip in its step. If not a truly profound vintage for this label, it is a beautifully elegant and bright expression.

The 2018 Rieussec was picked from 10 to 31 October in two or three tries through the vineyard. This contains one of the highest percentages of Sauvignon Blanc (25%). It does not possess the same intensity as the previous vintage, a little compact and perhaps more floral in style, yellow flowers mixed with acacia honey and saffron. The palate is medium-bodied with notes of apricot, quince and light spicy aromas with good acidity. It is well balanced and fresh, although it does not have the weight and complexity of the 2017, ergo I suspect this will be earlier drinking.