Château Rieussec 2003 is an outstanding example of Sauternes wine. Its distinctive feature lies in the delicate botrytis character, which blends honey, apricot, and citrus into an elegant sweetness. Château Rieussec is considered a defining wine of the region, and the 2003 vintage displays ripe warmth paired with finesse. Yet, in the half-liter bottle, it unfolds an impressive depth that critics such as Falstaff, Parker, Jancis Robinson, Jeff Leve, and Wine Spectator regularly praise.
The tasting reveals a complex nose of honey, dried apricot, peach, and a hint of vanilla; on the palate, the texture is creamy, the acidity fresh, the sweetness concentrated yet balanced. Candied fruit, almond notes, and a slow, elegant finish characterize the profile.
The approximate drinking window is expected to be between 2010 and 2030; with proper storage, the wine will remain interesting well into the 2030s. Food pairing recommendation: foie gras, aged blue cheese, creamy desserts with almonds or honey, and fruit tarts.