2021, Rieussec
Rieussec, 1er Cru Classé

The 2021 vintage

The winter of 2021 will remain engraved in the memories of our winegrowers. With temperatures plunging to -9 degrees, frost has never affected the whole of France so severely. It arrived without warning, with a brazen attitude, following no rules. Then spring came and the vines began to flower at the end of May. June and July were rainy, and as the millimetres of water accumulated. Veraison began mid-July under unstable skies that lasted until mid-August. Fortunately, the following months were more stable. After a dry white harvest, rain on 15 September and regular fog allowed noble rot to set in gradually. A first sorting on 1 October was promising but confirmed the very low yields of the vintage. Things accelerated in the second half of october and the teams and the teams carried out up to 4 selections, ending up with some magnificent grapes on 29 October.

Tasting Notes 

"The 2021 Rieussec is bright, floral and super-refined. White flowers, lemon confit, pear, passionfruit and mint are all nicely lifted, with beams of bright acids that lend support. As has been the case in recent years, Rieussec is done in a style that is all about maintaining freshness and verve. There's plenty of both here. The 2021 was harvested over 3-4 picks. Yields are down 30%, which is a very favorable result for the year in Sauternes. The 125 grams of residual sugar are not at all evident."

- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94-96 points

"Medium-bodied with spice and caramel. Dried mushroom and cloves. Orange peel and burnt orange. Medium-sweet. 

- James Suckling, 93-94 points"