Carmes de Rieussec 2019

Carmes de Rieussec 2019: The Elegance of Sauternes Revealed

The second wine of the prestigious Château Rieussec, this 2019 vintage embodies the excellence of Bordeaux sweet wines. Crafted on an exceptional 93-hectare terroir of gravelly sandy-clay soils located at the confluence of Fargues and Sauternes, this nectar benefits from the ideal climatic conditions provided by the Ciron river, conducive to the development of noble rot.

The 2019 vintage proved complex yet remarkable. Following a mild winter and a cool spring marked by frost alerts, a summer heatwave preceded beneficial rains in late July. September rainfall encouraged botrytis development, requiring rigorous berry selection to preserve aromatic purity. The October 8th harvest yielded grapes of optimal maturity, reaching 20 degrees of potential alcohol.

Nose: Intense and refined aromatic expression, with slightly mentholated vegetal nuances heralding beautiful balance. Aromas of rhubarb tart and candied apricot notes emerge.

Color: Luminous gold with amber highlights characteristic of great Sauternes.

Palate: Perfect harmony between velvety sweetness and vibrancy. Flavors of dried figs and candied apricots intertwine with delicately toasted oak notes, providing roundness and smoothness. An expressive minerality, evoking flint stone, accompanies the tasting through to a persistent and elegant finish.