ch rieussec

Impressions – 2010 Sauternes (in half bottles) plus an amazing VP

~ Richard ~ Leave a comment

2010 Ch Guiraud 13.5%
generally 65% semillon, 35% sauvignon blanc; lots of new oak

Half-bottle (a different half-bottle was fatally oxidised). Deep gold colour; marmalade and citrus, apricots and spices, vanilla bean; texture, and persistence, user-friendly, authentic, straightforward, and looks ready.

Drink to 2033; 91 points

2010 Ch Rieussec 14%
92% Sémillon 5% Sauvignon Blanc 3% Muscadelle, 160 g/l rs

Tropical fruits, dark vanilla, spices, texture, some VA/floor polish, and just lacks the class of the wine below – it seems a bit clumsy.
Drink to 2032

2010 Ch Suduiraut 14%
90 semillon, 10% Sauvignon blanc , 145 g/l rs

Greater citrus drive and impact; brighter, supple and superbly poised.
Drink to 2040, 95 points

2017 Taylors Vintage Port 20%
Portugal

Served blind and looked very youthful; vivid, bright and deep purple – I was guessing 2011. And from a terrific producer. It’s no sin to put on a youngster that can continue merrily for decades; the mix of coloured fruits instantly led me to Portugal – dark cherry, blueberry, red plum and violets, plus a melange of assorted spices; the palate is densely, powerfully fruited, but fine tannins, and immaculately judged spirit are present; the wine is superbly fresh but has the stuffing to keep for decades. This is a “wow” wine, and I am lucky to have two bottles tucked away for future pleasure.

Drink to 2046, 96 points

Recent hasty tastings

~ Richard ~ Leave a comment

2015 sauternes aug 2024

2015 Ch Rieussec 14%
Sauternes. Light gold colour, vanilla dust, just- ripe quince; some tropical notes, a swathe of assorted citrus, plus a bucket of spices. It’s medium bodied, but so seductive, so balanced, so textured, so fresh. Honey, stonefruit, spices.  It’s a wine to contemplate over a few glasses, seeking its nuances.

To 2034, 95 points (I awarded 97 points in February 2024, but today I was probably in a meaner mood – it’s terrific, and wish I had a few)

2015 Ch Guiraud 13.5%
Sauternes. Floor polish; orange marmalade; power, rich and ripe. Drink soonish, 90 points

2005 Croft Quinta da Roeda Vintage Port
Bright colour, Blueberry, red cherry, ripe with delicious spirit, spices firm tannins. Portuguese, early 2000s?
Smart wine

Drink to 2030, 91 points

1980 baileys vp

1980 Baileys Vintage Port
Glenrowan, Victoria

The cork was absolutely saturated, but no harm as the wine was also under screwcap! A bricky but very deep red colour; raspberry jam and syrup, plus blackberry and high-quality spirit; the palate is extremely sweet, extremely concentrated, with chalky and entirely resolved tannins; soft and persistent. This is a wine where the fruit power is monumental, admirable and deserves celebration – though nothing at all like the classical Portuguese style.

Drink to 2030, 94 points

1994 quinta vesuvio

1994 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 20%
Part of the Symington family group

Meagre cork, but it had performed its duty. Very deep colour, with some signs of maturity; orange peel, blueberry, dark cherry, fig. Very persistent and winning. Sweet for Portuguese, but very elegant and engaging. Hard to resist.

To 2035, and 94 points