Tech Notes
Wine Details
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James Suckling
Decanter
The Wine Cellar Insider
Vinous
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By Chateau Rieussec
2023 Sauternes
Appellation
AOC Sauternes, Bordeaux, France. The Sauternes appellation stretches along the left bank of the Garonne, about 50 km south of Bordeaux. The natural humidity arising from the Ciron River and the surrounding springs provides ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis Cinerea, also known as noble rot.
Terroir
Chateau Rieussec's vineyards lie at the junction of Fargues and Sauternes, and it is one of the most important estates in Sauternes and Barsac. Its vines cover 85 hectares of sandy-clay gravel.
Vintage Summary
The 2023 vintage was characterized by a winter that was wetter than the previous year but still below average, with two nights of frost causing localized damage with minimal impact on the overall production. The climate then fluctuated between tropical conditions from mid-May to early July, presenting a constant challenge, and heatwaves in August and September. Thanks to the richness of the Rieussec terroirs and the health of the vines, the harvest produced wines of exceptional quality, with remarkable balance and purity.
Winemaking Scheme
The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates. On arrival at the winery, they are immediately pressed in small pneumatic presses. After settling, the must is transferred to barrels for fermentation (new barrels for the Semillon, one-wine barrels for the Sauvignon). Each parcel is pressed and vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation is stopped as soon as the desired balance between alcohol and sugar is reached. At the end of fermentation, the wines are kept on their lees and stirred regularly until mid-December. After a resting period, the wines are racked and blended, then returned to barrels to age for approximately 18 months.
Tasting Notes
2023 is one of those exceptional vintages. It stands out with a complex nose combining notes of apricot, candied citrus zest, and fresh pineapple. Floral accents of chamomile and acacia complete this delicate bouquet. The promise of the nose is confirmed on the palate with a subtle balance between the creaminess of the texture and the vibrant aromatic freshness. The finish is remarkable, featuring notes of blood orange peel and an intense, prolonged menthol freshness.
Technical Information
Varietals: 89% Semillon, 11% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol: 14.00%
pH: 3.9
Total Acidity: 3.72 g/l
Residual Sugar: 147 g/l
[Information provided by Beyerman]
Region:
Bordeaux
Vintage:
2023
Grape:
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Country:
France
Unit Size:
375.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
14.00
Appellation:
Sauternes
Wine: 2023 Rieussec Rieussec
Score/Rating: 98+
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2076
Review Date: 03/05/2026
Reviewed By: Yohan Castaing
Tasting Notes: A real success, the 2023 Rieussec wafts from the glass with aromas of pineapple, exotic fruits and spices, complemented by nuances of white truffle and mango. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it is deep and layered, built around a fleshy core of fruit and a precise, almost crystalline mid-palate, enhanced by beautifully judged gastronomic bitterness. Long and ethereal, the blend comprises [...] Semillon and [...] Sauvignon Blanc.
Wine: Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2023
Score/Rating: 98
Review Date: 09/19/2025
Reviewed By: Zekun Shuai
Tasting Notes: An extremely serious wine, yet already very approachable. Cream, pineapple, honeyed apricots, mangoes, wax and a hint of white mushrooms on the nose. Impeccable balance between fruit and botrytis complexity. Luscious yet supple, with a round, full body and an extremely long finish. Subtle cream comes up at the end. Newly designed bottle. Already delicious, but can hold for decades.
Wine: Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, 1er Cru Classe, Bordeaux, France 2023
Score/Rating: 97
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2065
Review Date: 08/27/2025
Reviewed By: Georgina Hindle
Tasting Notes: Lovely yellow gold colour, bright and shining in the glass. Aromatic nose, ripe mango and nectarine with some elderflower and cool, crisp apple scents. Ripe and sweet but so well balanced and harmonious. I love the interplay between almost sherbet lemon sweetness and zinginess with quite pronounced bitter aspects too - grapefruit rind, vanilla bean, pastry and some toasted spice on the finish. A very modern interpretation which begs for food. Not super typical but this has effortless drinkability. Ends clean and light but long with a kick of freshness that immediately draws you back in. Botrytis arrived mid September, the harvest started on 15th September. Grapes were picked in five separate passes just from the first onset of botrytis with no rain after. [...]
Wine: 2023 Chateau Rieussec (Sauternes)
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window:Â Drink from 2028-2055
Review Date: 04/02/2026
Reviewed By: Jeff Leve
Tasting Notes:Â Following the bouquet of flowers that greets your nose, you are treated to an array of honey-topped tropical fruits, vanilla, honeysuckle, and apricots. The bright, vibrant palate is filled with fresh, sweet, almost unctuous fruits with accents of oranges, tangerines, and spice, all backed by racy acidities. Drink from 2028-2055.
Wine: 2023 Rieussec
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2031 - 2063
Review Date: 03/2026
Reviewed By: Antonio GalloniÂ
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Rieussec is delicate and light on its feet. White flowers, apple tart, passion fruit and tropical citrus tones are nicely lifted. The 2023 is very much done in a modern style that prizes freshness and mid-weight structure over opulence. I find it quite delicate and very pretty, but also a work in progress.
Wine: 2023 Rieussec
Score/Rating: 94-96
Suggested Drinking Window: 2027-2047
Review Date: 05/15/2024
Reviewed By: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Tasting Notes: A blend of [...] Semillon and [...]Â Sauvignon Blanc [...]. It is pale lemon-straw in color and zips out of the glass with spritely notes of lemon drops, fresh yellow apples, and grapefruit oil, leading to a fragrant undercurrent of lime blossoms, jasmine tea, and acacia honey. The palate is concentrated, with rich sweetness off-set by a laser-fine line of freshness, finishing long and zesty.
