1983 Château Rieussec
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Tasting notes
Bright amber. The deepest wine in this collection. Aeration (decant this wine) revealed orange notes and notable acidity – quite open and evolved. Very long. Makes a big impression even if not very fine or subtle. Big, bold throat-warmer. Seems fully developed. Long and powerful – more alcohol than sweetness. (JR)
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Already tawny. Lively,very sweet, but not cloying. Strong orange flavours, medium weight and still admirably fresh. (JR)
Light golden with just the slightest tint of green, the 1983 Rieussec, from an excellent year for Sauternes, is certainly one of this property's greatest wines. Well structured with excellent acidity, and a deep, long, rich, full-bodied, viscous texture, this wine, despite the richness and power, is neither heavy nor cloying. It has gorgeous balance and a very long, lingering, spectacular finish. One of the great successes of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 3/88.
Deep amber colour. The nose is quite intense, marmalade, cut orange peel and some minerals. The palate is fresh and full of vigor with good delineation, though rather linear and some might say one-dimensional. Marmalade, hazelnut with sharp acidity. The problem is does not fan out on the finish. Drinking now although I suspect this bottle was not quite showing its best. Tasted November 2006. Drink now-2010. Neal Martin, eRobertParker.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.