2010 Carmes de Rieussec (375ml)

Chateau Rieussec, Lafite Rothschild’s Sauternes enterprise has a second label, 'Carmes de Rieussec' named after the monks of the Carmes de Langon, the original owners of the estate. The monks were disbanded during the Revolution after which the property was transferred to private hands. Carmes de Rieussec is subjected to the same rigour in the vineyard and winery as the Premier Cru, with barrels deemed to lack the intensity of the grand vin sorted after 18 months and given to the citrus accented Carmes cuvee. It is worth noting that this is a voluntary move, and not strictly an act of declassification - as such the Carmes de Rieussec could be labelled as a Premier Cru.

Bright pale gold colour with golden edges and very pale straw hue. The nose opens with strong honeyed botrytis characters over some dried apricot, lemon butter and light cinnamon. Rich viscous mouthfeel filled with flavours of honey and ripe apricots followed by some peach, subtle lemon butter and spice. Clean finish with a very creamy texture. Excellent concentration and power with long honey, ripe apricot, peach and lemon butter aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years (2014-2020).
Alc 14.0%