Parker about Château Rieussec 2001
The 2001 Rieussec is a blend of 96.5% Semillon and 3.5% Sauvignon Blanc picked between 17 September and 25 October in three tries. This is a somewhat controversial wine, one I have tasted many times. It seemed to flare with brilliance in its youth and subsequently never replicated that performance. Here, it has a mature nose with dried honey, yellow flowers and honeysuckle, the palate well balanced with ripe dried mango and orange rind notes, although it does not possess the same killer delineation as the 2005 on the finish. It remains a lovely Sauternes, but in this vertical tasting, I found more nervosité in the 2005, at least at this stage. The question is whether it will have a second wind later in life? Time will tell.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux Sauternes |
Rebsorten | Semillon 96.5%, Sauvignon Blanc 3.5% |
Alkoholgehalt | 14.00% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | White |
Inverkehrbringer | Château Rieussec, Rieussec,33210 Fargues, France |
Charakter | Sweet |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 12-14°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2016 - 2035 |
Parker Punkte | 93 |
Jahrgang | 2001 |
Bordeaux Sauternes, France 🇫🇷

Goes well with

Château Rieussec 2001

The 2001 Château Rieussec is an absolutely outstanding Sauternes and is considered one of the best vintages from this winery. Its deep golden, almost amber hue testifies to the richness and maturity of this vintage. The nose unfolds with an impressive bouquet of candied apricots, dried pineapple, orange marmalade, and honey, accompanied by hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and toasted almonds—a feast of aromas that hints at the intensity and quality of this wine.
On the palate, the Château Rieussec 2001 reveals its concentrated sweetness, harmoniously supported by a fine, lively acidity, providing ideal balance. The texture is creamy and full-bodied, with notes of tropical fruits, honey, and toasted caramel unfolding into a long, complex finish. The elegant structure and intense aromas give the wine a deep, dense flavor, with a finish that lingers long on the tongue.
This excellent vintage pairs perfectly with rich dishes such as foie gras, blue cheese, or fruit-forward desserts. The Château Rieussec 2001 is delightful to enjoy now, but has the potential to age for many more years and gain further refinement in the bottle.
Château Rieussec
Information about the winemaker:
Château Rieussec is a renowned winery in the Sauternes appellation in the Bordeaux wine region of France. Located in the commune of Fargues, it is known worldwide for its sweet wines, which are among the finest and most sought-after in the world.
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