2008 Château Rieussec
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Rieussec is a blend of 86% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle picked from 29 September until 14 November over four or five pickings. The nose seemed to have closed down since I last encountered it in 2012, quite earthy and resinous, lacking some spark. The palate is much better with sour lemon and quince on the entry, a touch of patisserie, strangely making me think of Danish pastry towards the well-defined finish. This 2008 is a little difficult to work out at the moment, perhaps overwhelmed by the succeeding vintage. Tasted April 2016.
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Relatively soft and very deep and rich. Nearly ready and this would be lovely with cheese. (JR)
Intense orange and apricot botrytis flavours with lots of spice on the tip of the tongue. Creamy depth and fine fresh length. Very pure to the end. Rich with lots of pleasure. (JH)
The 2008 Rieussec has a lifted, honeyed, slightly petrolly nose with great definition and lift. Touches of white flowers and white peach/honeysuckle develop with further aeration. The palate has a vibrant orange and mandarin flavored entry, very good balance, nicely poised with touches of vanilla inflecting the viscous, honeyed fruit on the finish. Classy but the oak obfuscates this Rieussec at the moment. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate April 2009