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Date Printed: 5/22/2013
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2005
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2005
 (search item no. 95281)
collectible wine

Wine Spectator rating: 96 points
The Wine Advocate rating: 96 points
PRICE ON 5/22/2013: $99.00

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
2004 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points
2003 The Wine Advocate rating: 96 points
2003 Wine Spectator rating: 95 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 2001 vintage of this wine was ranked #1 on the Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wines of 2004

2005 was marked by drought. Only 127 mm of rain fell during the winter, and following a month of April with some more rain (129 mm), the dry weather began again at the end of May. The summer was first very hot in June and July, then cooler in August and September, which allowed slow ripening and good balance between body and freshness.

Beautiful intense golden color. Pleasantly fresh, showing jammy notes and candied fruit (apricots, figs). Round and smooth on the palate, with candied notes and a long finish.
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.