Château Rieussec Magnum Retro 2023

Fresh, expressive, lemon confit, pineapple, citrus, herbs; creamy palate, rich yet fresh, very good acidity, long finish on apricot, preserved lemon and almond blossom.

Given the pedigree, a disappointing sample that certainly conveys richness—with delectable apricot and other white stone fruit aromas and flavors, along with botrytis spice—but it could use more balancing vibrancy. The sample I tried feels a bit stationary, lacking the verve of the top Sauternes. With 148 grams of residual sugar per liter.

The 2023 Rieussec is delicate and light on its feet. White flowers, apple tart, passion fruit and tropical citrus tones are nicely lifted. The 2023 is very much done in a modern style that prizes freshness and mid-weight structure over opulence. I find it quite delicate and very pretty, but also a work in progress.

Score: 91–93. The freshness of pine and eucalyptus sap, heather honey, chamomile, and Victoria pineapple contribute to a rounded nose that still retains freshness with saline accents. The unctuous palate is all honey, blood orange peel, and peach compote. The finish is enlivened by menthol notes.

Rieussec 2023 reveals itself with subtlety, gradually unfolding through floral nuances and citrus notes. It offers aromas of clementine, fresh pineapple and white-fleshed fruits such as pear. Dense and silky on the attack, the wine is pure and linear, driven by a structuring—indeed incisive—acidity that pairs with fine bitter notes. These lend backbone to the wine’s power, while also reinforcing its linear, mouthwatering character. A harmonious Rieussec in which every element helps to energise the whole. It will certainly be enjoyable in its youth, which is precious… as is its ability to age gracefully over the decades to come! A wine for sharing, sure to delight both devoted fans and newcomers alike!

An extremely serious wine, yet already very approachable. Cream, pineapple, honeyed apricots, mangoes, wax and a hint of white mushrooms on the nose. Impeccable balance between fruit and botrytis complexity. Luscious yet supple, with a round, full body and an extremely long finish. Subtle cream comes up at the end. Newly designed bottle. Already delicious, but can hold for decades.

Following the bouquet of flowers that greets your nose, you are treated to an array of honey-topped tropical fruits, vanilla, honeysuckle, and apricots. The bright, vibrant palate is filled with fresh, sweet, almost unctuous fruits with accents of oranges, tangerines, and spice, all backed by racy acidities. Drink from 2028-2055.

Exceptional. Velvety, vibrant exotic fruits, pineapple, mango, white nectarine, satsuma rind, grated ginger and bitter orange marmalade at the finish.

Sunny yellow colour. Highly aromatic nose with ripe, suave fruit, becoming spicier with a swirl of the glass. Broad on the attack, subtle through the mid-palate, with a classy, refined texture, the wine develops with precision and a melting mouthfeel. The finish is fragrant, long and very precise. A sophisticated, delicious whole.