CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC

Very clean and fresh with banana, pineapple and papaya character and hints of honey. Medium-to full-bodied, sweet and crisp. Lively finish. Jasmine and acacia with hints of spice. Slightly crisper style. More sauvignon than normal. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2019)

This takes a minute to lift out of the glass, with a focus on texture more than aromatics, but it’s highly attractive with a luscious, gorgeous texture and flavours that are concentrated but elegant and fine, showing touches of mandarin, saffron and spice alongside a creamy citrus mid-palate. The harvest took place between 10 and 31 October, later than last year - the day they finished in 2017 was the day they started in 2018. A yield of 17hl/ha. Drinking range: 2022 - 2042 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (Apr 2019)

This is a blend of 95% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc, and the alcohol here hits a high at 14.4%. Despite this it has a rather fresh, bright and pure nose, characterised by scents of white peach, lychee and lanolin substance. The palate is fresh, pure, bright and richly polished, with lychee and white peach fruits, wrapped within a beautifully textured substance and sweetness, with bitter grip, some finely grained mineral elements and a bright acid freshness. This is a lovely example of what could be achieved in Sauternes in this vintage, with its deliciously long, sweet and vivacious finish. Excellent, and with more than a nod to the modern style. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2019)