Wines Sauternes Château Rieussec - 2005

Château Rieussec 2005 is a distinguished Premier Cru Sauternes, crafted in the heart of Bordeaux's iconic Sauternais region. This opulent sweet wine is principally composed of Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, grapes perfectly attuned to the humid conditions of the region. The 2005 vintage benefited from a warm, dry summer with just enough autumnal mist to encourage the noble rot, or botrytis cinerea, integral to the production of Sauternes. The grapes, handpicked in several passages as they reach optimum ripeness and concentration, are then gently pressed and fermented in oak barrels, followed by lengthy aging to enhance complexity. The result is a deep golden wine with intense aromas of apricot, honey, candied citrus peel, and subtly floral and vanilla notes, with a rich, unctuous palate balanced by fine acidity.

The Sauternes appellation lies in the southern part of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Garonne. Here, the cool morning mists rising from the Ciron River meet afternoon sunshine, creating ideal conditions for botrytis to flourish. The region boasts gravelly soils overlaying clay, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wine’s concentration and power. Sauternes has a rich history dating back to the 17th century and is celebrated for producing some of the world's greatest sweet wines, with Premier Cru estates like Château Rieussec standing at the pinnacle of this tradition.

Château Rieussec 2005 lends itself beautifully to classic pairings, particularly foie gras, where the wine’s sweetness and acidity cut through the richness. Equally, it highlights blue cheeses such as Roquefort, or can create a sublime bridge with fruit-based desserts—think tarte tatin or apricot tart. For a regional touch, try it with canelés de Bordeaux, whose caramelised crust and custardy centre echo the wine’s complex layers.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Sauternes chilled but not too cold, ideally at 10-12°C. Decanting can help the bouquet unfurl, especially in youth, but even at nearly two decades of age, the 2005 will continue to evolve in the glass and could benefit from a short breath before serving.