Sauternes Second Wine | Luscious, Elegant, and Beautifully Balanced
Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Grape: Predominantly Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle
Style: Rich, honeyed, and vibrant with fresh acidity and refined sweetness
Nose:
Expressive and aromatic, with notes of apricot, peach, orange zest, and honey, layered with white flowers, beeswax, and delicate spice
Palate:
Lush yet precise, offering candied citrus, dried apricot, and tropical fruit, balanced by freshness and subtle hints of spice and toasted oak
Structure:
Medium to full-bodied with a silky, rounded texture, vibrant acidity, and a refined balance between sweetness and freshness
Finish:
Long, elegant, and gently spiced, with lingering honeyed fruit, citrus peel, and a touch of mineral freshness
Carmes de Rieussec is the second wine of the prestigious Château Rieussec, a Premier Cru Classé estate in Sauternes. Produced with the same meticulous care, it offers a more approachable yet beautifully expressive interpretation of this historic terroir.
The 2019 vintage is particularly compelling—combining richness and aromatic intensity with freshness and precision. It delivers the classic Sauternes profile of luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity, making it both indulgent and remarkably versatile.
The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux was warm and favorable for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), resulting in wines with excellent aromatic intensity, concentration, and balance.
Now: Drinking beautifully, especially with a slight chill
Peak: 2025–2035
Cellaring Potential: 15–20+ years
Foie gras and pâté
Blue cheese and aged cheeses
Fruit tarts and caramel desserts
Spicy or Asian-inspired dishes
