1986 Rieussec
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Tasting notes
Tasted at Lafite-Rothschild, the 1986 Rieussec put in a supremely confident performance and in fact, looked more youthful than the 1996. It has a focused and energetic bouquet with scents of dried honey, lychee and slightly resinous, almost Azsu-like aromas. After three decades you have to admire the undimmed energy conveyed by this Rieussec. The palate is fresh and lively, with crisp acidity, very energetic with hints of toffee apple and quince infusing the honeyed fruit. I prefer this to the 1996: there is more animation and tension from start to finish, impressive length and a spicy aftertaste. This is simply superb and begs the question: Is this actually improving in bottle? I attach a plus-sign to my score just in case! Tasted July 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
From halves and in fine fettle. Deep gold rather than the more usual tawny of Rieussec. Still tangy and lively with the freshness still masking the obvious richness. (JR)
Tasted at Lafite-Rothschild, the 1986 Rieussec put in a supremely confident performance and in fact, looked more youthful than the 1996. It has a focused and energetic bouquet with scents of dried honey, lychee and slightly resinous, almost Azsu-like aromas. After three decades you have to admire the undimmed energy conveyed by this Rieussec. The palate is fresh and lively, with crisp acidity, very energetic with hints of toffee apple and quince infusing the honeyed fruit. I prefer this to the 1996: there is more animation and tension from start to finish, impressive length and a spicy aftertaste. This is simply superb and begs the question: Is this actually improving in bottle? I attach a plus-sign to my score just in case! Tasted July 2016. Jan 2017, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. Rieussec is a top, Premier Cru Classé Sauternes estate that is part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild stable, along with First Growth Ch. Lafite Rothschild.