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Date Printed: 5/22/2013
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes (375ML half-bottle) 2003
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes (375ML half-bottle) 2003
 (search item no. 86413)
The Wine Advocate rating: 96 points
Wine Spectator rating: 95 points
PRICE ON 5/22/2013: $47.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2011 Wine Enthusiast rating: 97 points
2011 James Suckling rating: 97 points
2011 Wine Spectator rating: 96 points
2011 International Wine Cellar rating: 94 points
2011 The Wine Advocate rating: 93 points
2010 Wine Spectator rating: 96 points
2010 Wine Enthusiast rating: 96 points
2010 James Suckling rating: 96 points
2010 The Wine Advocate rating: 92 points
2009 Wine Enthusiast rating: 98 points
2009 The Wine Advocate rating: 97 points
2009 Wine Spectator rating: 95 points
2009 International Wine Cellar rating: 95 points
2008 Wine Enthusiast rating: 94 points
2008 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2008 The Wine Advocate rating: 93 points
2007 Wine Spectator rating: 96 points
2007 The Wine Advocate rating: 94 points
2007 International Wine Cellar rating: 93 points
2006 Wine Enthusiast rating: 95 points
2006 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2006 International Wine Cellar rating: 91 points
2005 Wine Spectator rating: 96 points
2005 The Wine Advocate rating: 96 points
2005 Wine Enthusiast rating: 94 points
2005 International Wine Cellar rating: 93 points
2004 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points
2002 The Wine Advocate rating: 94 points
2001 Wine Spectator rating: 100 points
2001 The Wine Advocate rating: 99 points
1999 International Wine Cellar rating: 94 points
1998 International Wine Cellar rating: 94 points
1997 International Wine Cellar rating: 92 points
1996 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
1990 International Wine Cellar rating: 94 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 The year was marked by low rainfall and a heat wave in the first two weeks of August, with temperatures above 40°C. This made for an exceptionally early vintage.

This is a powerful, rich and concentrated vintage. The nose is intensely fruity with lots of spice and the palate combines elegance and richness. A good sugar/spice balance suggests that it is suitable for aging.

Before bottling, it retains its exceptional power with notes of vanilla and an amazingly long finish.

93-96 Points, Barrel Sample, Wine Advocate
My Notes:

Additional wines from Chateau Rieussec:

About Chateau Rieussec:

 Classified "Premier Grand Cru" in 1855, Rieussec has held its reputation and the quality of its wine, throughout the difficult years which Sauternes properties have been through. Albert Vuillier, who took over in 1971, has paid special attention to the development of the vineyard and pushed the standard of the wines produced to the highest level. This policy has paid dividends, since in recent years, Rieussec has received particular acclaim in numerous tastings of the "Premier Cru" of Sauternes. In 1985, wishing to consolidate Rieussec's position, Albert Vuillier entered into partnership with Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) to go even further in the elusive search for the perfect Sauternes.