Carmes de Rieussec 2016

The 2016 Carmes de Rieussec is absolutely gorgeous. Hints of passionfruit, pineapple and mint all run through this gracious Sauternes. Medium in body, open-knit and accessible, the 2016 is easy to drink and enjoy right now. The 2016 Carmes is an absolutely delicious second wine from Rieussec that emphasizes freshness and immediacy. Residual sugar is relatively modest at 120 grams per liter. Drink 2018-2028.

The 2016 Carmes de Rieussec has a charming bouquet of lifted, honeyed fruit, frangipane and orange blossom aromas. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, offering candied orange peel mixed with peach and apricot and a generous but nicely focused finish. This is delicious now but should give several years of drinking pleasure. Drink 2021-2033

The 2016 Carmes de Rieussec is a blend of 57% Semillon and 43% Sauvignon Blanc. It has an attractive bouquet with simple honey and yellow flower aromas tinged with vanilla pod. The palate is simple and quite linear, maybe missing some botrytis and viscosity towards the finish. Not bad, but I have encountered better Carmes de Rieussec in the past and the 2015 is much better.

Composed of 98% Sémillon and 2% Muscadelle, the 2016 Carmes de Rieussec is pale lemon-yellow in color and struts forth with bold peach preserves, lemon marmalade, acacia honey, lanolin and orange blossom scents with a waft of lemon curd. Rich and citrusy in the mouth, it offers great freshness to offset the decadent fruit, finishing on a lingering honeyed note. 2019 - 2033

A fresh and clean Sauternes with dried apples and peaches. Medium body. Off-dry. Pretty.