Chateau Rieussec 2016

JAMES SUCKLING: "So much botrytis on the nose with spice, dried mushrooms and nutmeg. Dried lemons and mangoes. Full-bodied and medium sweet with density and, at the same time, lightness. I like that it is full of botrytis on the palate at the beginning and then turns fruity and very pretty at the end with citrus and fruit. Balanced, creamy and rich. Try after 2024, but already gorgeous."

WEINWISSER: "83 % Sémillon, 12 % Sauvignon, 5 % Muscadelle. Es wurde vom 26. September bis 4. November gelesen. Mittleres Gelb. Betörende Passionsfrucht und Mango, dahinter kandierte Orangen und Jasmintee. Am öligen Gaumen mit sirupartiger Textur und einem berauschenden Nachhall von Papaya und Litschi. Dieses Jahr ein sehr exotischer Rieussec. Kann noch zulegen."

JEB DUNNUCK: "A step up over the Carmes de Rieussec, the beautiful 2016 Château Rieussec has remarkable purity and freshness while still packing beautiful depth of fruit. Honeyed peach, apricot, flower oil, and even a hint of wet stone all emerge from this full-bodied, thick, opulent effort. I love it. It has a rounded, sexy style ideal for drinking any time over the coming 15-20 years. The 2016 is a final blend of 83% Sémillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Pale lemon colored, the 2016 Rieussec comes sashaying out of the glass with a beautiful floral and citrus perfume of orange blossom, pink grapefruit, yuzu, lime leaves, lemongrass and fallen leaves with hints of nutmeg and candied ginger. Having shed a lot of the puppy fat from when I last tasted this from barrel, the palate reveals loads of elegant, tightly wound layers and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Luscious, honeyed, yellow and orange tropical fruits, flowers, roasted nuts and apricots pop the moment the wine hits your glass. Plush, sweet and racy, so everything is on the up-side, the blast of honey-coated apricots, vanilla and candied orange rind in the finish hits all the right notes. This should age effortlessly for 25-30 years or more."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Packed with ripe, honeyed Sémillon, this wine has richness while also keeping plenty of freshness. Acidity and a crisp edge are balanced with the intense orange marmalade and spice flavors that will make this wine develop well. Drink from 2022."