Château Rieussec Sauternes (37.5cl, 14%)

Château Rieussec Sauternes is a sweet white wine from a Premier Cru Classé estate in the 1855 Classification, in a 37.5cl half-bottle. The vineyard lies in the commune of Fargues, on the highest point of the Sauternes appellation, and has belonged to Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) since 1984. The blend is 85% Sémillon, 13% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle, all affected by noble rot and picked at very low yields. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by 16 to 26 months in oak barrels, roughly half of them renewed each vintage. Honeysuckle, white peach and acacia honey lead the nose. The palate is richly honeyed, with pineapple, mango and candied orange peel, held in balance by fresh acidity. The finish is long, with apricot, vanilla and a toasted-nut note.