2013 Carmes de Rieussec

Being owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (of Lafite fame) has been a boon for Chateau Rieussec. Since taking over the property in 1984, the planted vineyard area has increased from nearly 40 hectares to roughly 90 hectares today. Investment has also been made in the cellars, and the winemaking team are now better placed to work with the multiple small lots stemming from various parcels and picking runs through the vineyard. Across the various plots the plantings are broken down as 90% Semillon, 7% Sauvignon Blanc, and 3% Muscadelle, and the wines are aged in roughly 50% new French oak. The chateau also produce a second wine called Carmes de Rieussec, which is subjected to the same rigour in the vineyard and winery as the first wine, however the emphasis with Carmes is more on beautiful aromatics and citrus flavours. Barrels showing more of these traits are selected to be bottled as Carmes de Rieussec after 18 months of elevage.

Other Reviews....
The second wine of Rieussec, the 2013 Carmes de Rieussec is a blend of 83% Semillon, 9% Muscadelle and 8% Sauvignon Blanc. It has a lovely lemon curd, apricot and vanilla-scented nose with modest vigor. The palate has an edgy entry, with touches of citrus peel infusing the viscous fruit, and a dash of spice toward the finish.
88-90 points
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate (Apr 2014)

Golden hue. Subtle confit fruit and roasted aromas. The palate is full, round and generous with botrytised, bitter notes on the finish adding freshness. Drinking Window 2018 - 2023.
92 points
James Lawther MW - Decanter (June 2018)