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Wine Description
The Story
Château Rieussec has been a leading wine in Sauternes for several generations. Ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in 1855, it is made with a subtle blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle. Production varies a great deal depending on the vintage, but on average is about 6,000 cases (however, none was made in 1977, 1993 and 2012).
Blend: 90 to 95% Sémillon, 5 to 10% Muscadelle and Sauvignon
Ageing: in oak barrels from 18 to 26 months depending on the year, 50 to 55% in new barrels
Wine Information
At the beginning of the year 2002 the weather conditions were average but improved towards the ripening period. Fortunately, the colder than usual July and August were followed by a superb September with favourable conditions for the development of botrytis: dry, hot and sunny in the day, cool in the evening. The first grapes affected by noble rot were picked on 12 September, and the first selective harvests went on until 2 October under perfect conditions. The selective picking started again on 15 October. The beautiful weather was back, resulting in an outbreak of botrytis which produced rich, concentrated, fruity juice for the Sauvignon and Muscadelle. The last grapes were picked on 5 November.
