Chateau Rieussec produces one of the world's greatest sweet wines, earning First Growth status in the 1855 Sauternes Classification. The chateau has experienced its greatest period in the last four decades, following its acquisition by Domaines Baron de Rothschild (owner of Chateau Lafite Rothschild) and Albert Frère of LVMH. Often challenging Sauternes powerhouses like Chateau d'Yquem and Chateau Suduiraut, the chateau enjoys consistent acclaim from critics and high demand from collectors.
Chateau Rieussec History
Chateau Rieussec was founded in the late 18th century and was originally tended to by the monks of Carmes de Langon, who planted the site's original vines. Consequently, Rieussec was then classified as a First Growth in 1855 and gained an outstanding reputation in Bordeaux for its Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blends. The chateau experienced continued success throughout the 19th century, eventually undergoing nearly a century of turmoil with multiple ownership changes.
In 1870, Charles Crepin acquired Rieussec, followed by Paul Defolie in 1892, M. Bannil in 1907, the Gasqueton family (previous owners of Chateau Calon Segur), F.F. Berry during World War II, M. Balaresque in 1957, then finally Albert Vuillier in 1971. Because of the numerous ownership changes, Rieussec underwent a vast period of dilapidation and chateau struggles. However, in 1984, Barons de Rothschild purchased Chateau Rieussec and nearly doubled the chateau in size. Further, the new proprietors built a new cellar, leading to a trilogy of legendary vintages in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
Rieussec reached even greater heights in the following decade, with a golden 10-year run of vintages from 1995 to 2005, including the 2001 Rieussec, which was named Wine Spectator's 'Wine of the Year' in 2004 and earned a near-perfect 99-point score from Robert Parker.
Today, Rieussec is still holding strong, making subtle changes to its winemaking and even introducing a new, environmentally friendly bottle design. The new bottle features a sleeker design, made from 9% recycled glass, featuring a resealable cork held by a yellow cord, and designed by Art Director Laure Flammarion.
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes Vineyard and Terroir
Chateau Rieussec owns 93 hectares of land in Fargues, set in the heart of the Sauternes AOC. The chateau is located directly across from Chateau d'Yquem and is home to one of the region's best terroirs.
Its vineyard is set 250 feet above sea level on nearly the highest elevation in Sauternes, with vines averaging 25 years of age and planted at 7,500 vines per hectare. Semillon is the most heavily planted varietal, comprising around 81% of total plantings, followed by Sauvignon Blanc at 17% and a small plot dedicated to Muscadelle, which comprises only 2% of total plantings. Additionally, production is extremely limited, as it is said that one vine can produce one glass of wine!
The site's sandy-clay and gravel soils contribute to the low production, with harvest taking place from September to November. Around 70 workers are employed annually for each harvest, first hand-picking the fruit, then transporting it to the vats. The wine is then aged for 18-26 months in 80-100% new French oak barrels and filtered before bottling.
Chateau Rieussec Wine Portfolio
Rieussec
Rieussec is the flagship label of Chateau Rieussec and has been celebrated as one of the world's greatest sweet wines. The wine is known for its floral and fruit aromatics, mandarin zest and candied orange notes on the palate, and freshness, elegance, and longevity in the cellar.
Chateau Rieussec 2001
The 2001 Rieussec was crafted during one of the greatest modern vintages in Sauternes, leading former estate director Charles Chevallier to label it "one of the greatest wines ever produced at Rieussec." Nearly 12,500 cases were produced and gained instant acclaim from critics; Robert Parker scored the wine 99 points, calling it "a monumental example of Sauternes," while Wine Spectator named the 2001 Rieussec its 2004 Wine of the Year.
In his review, James Suckling (then-editor of Wine Spectator) stated, "This could be the new benchmark for sweet wines." Today, these bottles remain one of the legendary Sauternes wines of the 21st century and are in perfect drinking condition, though they possess almost 4 decades more of enjoyment.
Carmes de Rieussec
Carmes de Rieussec is the second wine of Chateau Rieussec, named after the founders, the monks of Carmes de Langon. The wine is produced from leftover fruit from the flagship label and typically comprises 80-90% Semillon, displaying great finesse and freshness.
R de Rieussec
R de Rieussec is the third wine of Chateau Rieussec and is known as a dry white wine comprising Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Add Rieussec Sauternes to Your Cellar
Chateau Rieussec is one of Sauternes' greatest white wines, deserving of a place in any serious wine cellar. Challenging names like d'Yquem and Suduiraut with accessible pricing, Rieussec provides exceptional value, and with stunners like the 100-point in 2001 in stock, today is the perfect opportunity to add a bottle to the cellar. View our full selection of in-stock Rieussec wines today.
