Carmes de Rieussec 2017

Pleasant, fruity, yet also fresh.

Composed of 94% Semillon, 3% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle, the pale lemon-gold colored 2017 Carmes de Rieussec comes bounding out of the glass with rambunctious scents of candied citrus peel, pineapple tart, green mango and fresh apricots with hints of honeycomb, musk perfume and lime blossoms. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with tropical and stone fruit flavors, offering seamless freshness and a long, honey-laced finish. Yum!

This is fairly sticky, as the botrytis began to kick in and concentrate after 20 September. You can feel that this is a little deeper and richer than it is in normal years. It's extremely attractive, but the freshness and acidity levels are better in the grand vin.

A lovely second wine with cooked apples and peaches. Honey, too. Full-bodied, very sweet and bright.

Orange blossom, honeyed peach, white flowers, and a touch of mint all emerge from the 2017 Carmes De Rieussec, which is the second wine of Chateau Rieussec. Clean, medium-bodied, fresh, and just a joy to drink, it's ideal for drinking over the coming decade or so.

Full-bodied, balanced, with a genuine roasted character in both texture and flavor. Slight lack of liveliness, but a lovely length.

Almost entirely Sémillon, this wine is rich but not heavy. Lightness comes with the surprisingly intense acidity that balances the rich apricot and honey flavors. For a second wine, this has impressive quality, ready to drink from 2022.