Château Rieussec 2010

It starts gently and softly, opulent and oily, then shows its structure and richness, finishing fiery and endlessly long: more powerful than 2009 yet not heavy; nonetheless, for now and after this first tasting, we give the edge to 2008 and 2009.

The 2010 Rieussec is a blend of 92% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle picked between 15 September and 4 November over four pickings. There are 160 grams per liter of residual sugar. It has a fragrant bouquet of light honeyed fruit, peony and brioche that does not quite have the derring-do of the 2011. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening, harmonious with blood orange and quince notes building toward a composed and elegant finish. This is a delightful Rieussec that I might prefer in its youth rather than with age. Tasted April 2016.

A muscular version, with dacquoise and marzipan notes leading the way for creamed orange, white peach, ginger, mirabelle compote and tangerine accents that pump through the piecrust-filled finish. Has the vintage's raw oomph, as well as range and cut for balance. Best from 2018 through 2035. 6,000 cases made.

The 2010 Rieussec is similar to the previous bottle from a couple of years ago. It has since opened with saffron-tinged honeyed fruit, dried honey and almond shavings. This example is more vanillary and oaky than previous ones, and that actually distracts from the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied; again, the new oak feels more prominent than previous bottles, prompting me to lower my score. It's utterly seductive but conveys more of the winemaking than I would like. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant.

Sweet apricots, peach, orange and pineapple with honey, freshness and a generous finish are fully on display in this wine. However, it lacks the depth found in the best vintages. Drink this young if you like your Sauternes on the primary side. Age it for a decade or two if you want more caramel and crème brûlée sensations.

Slightly matte yellow, medium intensity. Both floral and fruity, with pronounced, slightly gluey botrytis, chamomile, buttercups, apricots, showing plenty of sweetness. On the palate, rich and almost a touch heavy, with supporting acidity and finely bitter astringency, huge potential.

Slightly matte yellow, medium intensity. Both floral and fruity with pronounced, slightly gluey botrytis, chamomile, buttercups, apricots, showing plenty of sweetness. On the palate, ample, almost a bit heavy, then supported by acidity that catches it over the extract, fine bitterness within the astringency, demonstrating huge potential. Certainly a great Sauternes – but it was very difficult to taste and therefore not easy to assess properly.

(92% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Muscadelle) Mineral, dense, powerful, complex bouquet: grapefruit, slate, stone powder, dried apricots, dark caramel, toasted notes. Finely opulent, dense, powerful, creamy palate with full, pronounced sweetness, fine ripe acidity, intense aromatics, velvety texture, and a very long, dense, powerful finish. 19/20 2016 - 2040

Ample and generous, rich and full, with a nice core, it unfolds its wonderful velvety texture like a pasha. 14.2% and 141 g/L.

I enjoyed it very much in a tasting organized for me, and less so at the Union des Grands Crus. As always, I kept the lower score. Discreet nose. Palate a bit too liqueur-like.

94-96 Structured firm, very spicy, while also showing fresh pineapple acidity. Concentrated and packed with botrytis.