Castle Rieussec - Sauternes 2014

Jamessuckling.com

95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/16/2017

The aromas of botrytis are all there. Very spicy mushroom-powder and flower character. Dried-lemon undertones. Full-bodied, medium sweet, dense and flavorful with so much fruit intensity and bright acidity. Vibrant. Drink or hold.

Vinous

94 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe2/6/2017

The 2014 Rieussec is rich, creamy and ample. Orange peel, mint, apricot jam and tropical fruits grace the palate in a sensual, rich Sauternes that exudes class. Already showing slightly forward notes in its bouquet, the 2014 will enter its prime drinking window sooner than other recent vintages (the 2013 comes to mind). This is a very pretty and complete Sauternes with all of its elements in the right place.

Vinous

93-96 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015

The 2014 Rieussec is a real stunner. Rich, ample and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2014 boasts fabulous richness and exceptional overall balance. An exotic mélange of honey, mint, chamomile, jasmine, candied lemon and coconut captivates the senses. The voluptuous 2014 is a real showstopper from Rieussec.

Asian Palate

92 / 100

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015

Intense dried mango and sweet honey notes with refreshing acidity. Layers of botrytis flavors are well balanced by acidity. Fresh and lively with good level of sugar - 125 g/L. A well-made Rieussec that will age well given its acid backbone.

Wine Enthusiast

96 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015

95–97. Barrel Sample. Piled with richness and weight, this wine is ripe with honey flavors. The opulence is balanced by a line of acidity and brings the wine to a fine conclusion showing beautiful freshness and intensity.

— R.V. (4/3/2015)

René Gabriel

18 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015

Mitteldunkles Gelb, somit recht intensiv, leuchtender Rand. Sehr traubiges Bouquet, helle Sultaninen, gekochte Nektarinen, Pektinnoten, dezent leimig im Untergrund. Im Gaumen mit einer ausgeprägten Süsse, wirkt dabei aber schön saftig. Er ist jetzt schon wunderschön und hat irgendwie schon einen kommerziellen Touch in seiner Gefälligkeit. Aufgrund der Erfahrung mit früheren Jahrgängen bin ich mit dem Alterungspotential sehr vorsichtig geworden. Gefiel aber allen Degustatoren durchs Band. 18/20 2020 – 2040

Wine Spectator

92-95 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/27/2015

Praline, peach and pecan notes lead the way, followed by apricot and nectarine fruit flavors. Juicy and lush, this has good depth and the vibrancy to match through the finish. Tasted non-blind.—J.M.