Château Rieussec, 1er Cru Classé, Sauternes, 2010

Rieussec is undoubtedly one of the great names in Sauternes and their 2010 doesn’t disappoint. Under the stewardship of Charles Chevalier (he who runs Chateau Lafite) great strides have been made in quality with the estate now justly considered one of the finest in the appellation. To many it is second only to Yquem. A blend of 85% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle, the 2010 is characteristically rich and opulent with an intensely spiced, deep botrytis nose, waves of apricot, honey and pineapple, leading to spiced caramel, acacia honey and droplets of grapefruit. The beautiful seam of acidity running through it serves to elevate and refine the whole package.