Château Rieussec 2018

Château Rieussec is a Premier Cru Classé estate in Sauternes, the sweet-wine appellation in the south of Bordeaux, classified back in 1855. The wine blends Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, with Semillon leading for its broad texture and susceptibility to noble rot. Sauternes depends on Botrytis cinerea, which thrives where the cold Ciron river meets the warmer Garonne and throws up autumn morning mists that burn off in the afternoon sun. The fungus shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugar, acid and flavour, and the bunches are picked in successive passes as the rot spreads. After a slow fermentation that stops with heavy residual sugar, the wine ages in barrel, where new oak contributes vanilla and toast and slow oxygen exchange through the wood builds the wine's depth and waxy weight. The colour is deep gold. The nose is apricot, honey and orange marmalade with white peach, beeswax and citrus peel. The palate is rich and unctuous but carried by acidity that keeps it balanced, leaving a long, layered finish. Serve chilled, around 10 to 12 degrees, in a small glass.