1988 Château Rieussec, Sauternes (375 ml)

Classified as a First Growth in 1855. Rieussec is one of the biggest estates of Sauternes with 227 acres of vines, situated on the “communes” of Sauternes and Fargues, high above the Garonne River, in a small area where the cold Autumn dawns help form the famous mist. It is this mist which many believe plays a major role in the development of botrytis cinerea (noble rot). Château Rieussec is located in Fargues (adjacent to Château d’Yquem).

Château Rieussec is one of the largest properties in Sauternes and Barsac, covering 85 hectares of gravel sitting on sandy-clay soils. The vintage began well with a mild, dry winter. The fine weather continued into early spring, resulting in an early start to the growth cycle. During this period, the colder and drier than usual weather slowed down the vines’ growth. After a relatively cold, rainy start, June suddenly changed, bringing an early summer heat wave. The vines seemed better equipped than in previous years to cope with the heat. Some miraculous rain arrived in late July, at just the right moment to trigger véraison (color change). The rain in September was very helpful for the botrytis. But the harvests turned out to be more complex, with rigorous sorting required to keep the nicely botrytized ones. Early October was opportune to pick perfectly balanced grapes for the Grand Vin.

All batches were pressed individually in small pneumatic presses. After a few hours of cold settling, the must was transferred into new oak barrels from the Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac for fermentation. After fermentation, the wine was aged in barrels for 24 months.