2009 Rieussec, Sauternes (375ml)

SKU #1112553 96-98 points Wine Enthusiast

Concentrated and dense, this is a wine that fits well into the power of 2009. There is richness, but as well there is great elegance, a great structure of richness and sweetness, with the final bite of honey. (4/ 2010)

97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The team at Chateau Rieussec have conjured a stellar wine in 2009. There is a little reduction at first that fortunately blows away, revealing thickly layered scents of honey, Danish pastry and quince that appear to gain vigor with every passing sip. The palate is stunning: very viscous in the mouth with tangy grapefruit, honey and white peach. It is still primal, but the acidity is perfectly judged and there is a life-affirming sense of precision and tension towards the finish. Exceptional. Drink now-2045. (2/ 2013)

93-95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(a blend of 84.5% semillon, 11.5% sauvignon blanc and 4% muscadelle; 160 g/l residual sugar; 13.8% alcohol) Bright yellow-gold. An initial whiff of alcohol is quickly followed by subtle aromas of flowers, fresh citrus, ginger and vanilla. Racy and delineated, with excellent intensity to the pristine flavors of fresh pineapple, tangerine, lemon and spices. Comes across as quite sleek and precise thanks to laser-like acidity, which frames and lifts the wine's superb tight core of fruit. Not at all an unctuous style, this compellingly vibrant wine finishes very long and very smooth, with a hint of vanillin oak. This outstanding vintage of Rieussec should be forgotten in the cellar for at least 6 or 8 years and then enjoyed for at least another 30 years after that. The grapes were harvested from September 17 through October 15 in four tries (5/ 2010)

92-95 points Wine Spectator

Lemon peel and pear tart on the nose. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with good acidity, lemon meringue flavors and a spicy finish. (Web-2010)