2001 Chateau Rieussec

Sauvignon Blanc - Semillon

France / Bordeaux / Sauternes

$125
RP 99
V 96
Size:
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Availability: 21

2001 Chateau Rieussec – Benchmark Sauternes from a Historic Vintage

The 2001 Chateau Rieussec stands as a monumental expression of Sauternes—a region globally celebrated for its botrytized sweet wines. Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Rieussec is classified as a Premier Cru Classé in the 1855 classification and often mentioned in the same breath as Château d’Yquem when it comes to quality. The 2001 vintage has earned its place in history, praised for its concentration, balance, and extraordinary aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant gold in the glass, the 2001 Rieussec displays a complex bouquet of apricot confit, candied citrus peel, honeycomb, and saffron, underpinned by exotic spice and roasted nuts. The palate is unctuous yet vibrant, with superb botrytis character and freshness that gives the wine lift and length. The finish is expansive, layered, and persistent—demonstrating why 2001 is such a lauded vintage.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Château Rieussec spans 93 hectares in Fargues, with gravelly soils over clay—ideal conditions for noble rot development. The blend is typically dominated by Sémillon, supported by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Grapes are hand-harvested over multiple passes, with fermentation and aging in 100% new oak barrels for approximately 18–24 months. The 2001 saw exceptional botrytis concentration, allowing for a profoundly age-worthy wine.

Investment & Collectibility

This vintage of Rieussec is widely considered one of the château’s greatest modern releases. It’s frequently used as a benchmark against which other sweet wines are measured. Its critical acclaim, limited availability, and aging trajectory make it an excellent addition to any cellar. Perfect for your collection or to enjoy now with over two decades of bottle age.

Vintage Insights

The 2001 vintage in Sauternes was outstanding. A cool, damp August followed by warm, dry conditions in September and October provided perfect conditions for noble rot. The result: richly concentrated wines with stunning clarity and precision. Alongside d’Yquem, Rieussec was one of the standout performers of the year.


Explore Related Collections


RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: June 30, 2004. Drinking window: 2010 - 2035.
V 96

Vinous

Rating ( 96+) Pale yellow-gold. An elixir of a nose: apricot, rose petal, minerals, nuts and spices. Crushed fruit flavors offer almost painful intensity, with penetrating limey acidity buffering the wine's great sweetness. Complicated by an intriguing carnal quality. This extremely young wine shows a slightly aggressive, almost tannic finish and extraordinary subtle persistence. Like a couple of the vintage's other standouts, this is almost painful today and really calls for a good 10 to 15 years of cellaring.Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer, Issue date: July, 2003. Drinking window: N/A.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

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International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: June 30, 2004. Drinking window: 2010 - 2035.
V 96

Vinous

Rating ( 96+) Pale yellow-gold. An elixir of a nose: apricot, rose petal, minerals, nuts and spices. Crushed fruit flavors offer almost painful intensity, with penetrating limey acidity buffering the wine's great sweetness. Complicated by an intriguing carnal quality. This extremely young wine shows a slightly aggressive, almost tannic finish and extraordinary subtle persistence. Like a couple of the vintage's other standouts, this is almost painful today and really calls for a good 10 to 15 years of cellaring.Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer, Issue date: July, 2003. Drinking window: N/A.

2001 Chateau Rieussec – Benchmark Sauternes from a Historic Vintage

The 2001 Chateau Rieussec stands as a monumental expression of Sauternes—a region globally celebrated for its botrytized sweet wines. Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Rieussec is classified as a Premier Cru Classé in the 1855 classification and often mentioned in the same breath as Château d’Yquem when it comes to quality. The 2001 vintage has earned its place in history, praised for its concentration, balance, and extraordinary aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant gold in the glass, the 2001 Rieussec displays a complex bouquet of apricot confit, candied citrus peel, honeycomb, and saffron, underpinned by exotic spice and roasted nuts. The palate is unctuous yet vibrant, with superb botrytis character and freshness that gives the wine lift and length. The finish is expansive, layered, and persistent—demonstrating why 2001 is such a lauded vintage.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Château Rieussec spans 93 hectares in Fargues, with gravelly soils over clay—ideal conditions for noble rot development. The blend is typically dominated by Sémillon, supported by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Grapes are hand-harvested over multiple passes, with fermentation and aging in 100% new oak barrels for approximately 18–24 months. The 2001 saw exceptional botrytis concentration, allowing for a profoundly age-worthy wine.

Investment & Collectibility

This vintage of Rieussec is widely considered one of the château’s greatest modern releases. It’s frequently used as a benchmark against which other sweet wines are measured. Its critical acclaim, limited availability, and aging trajectory make it an excellent addition to any cellar. Perfect for your collection or to enjoy now with over two decades of bottle age.

Vintage Insights

The 2001 vintage in Sauternes was outstanding. A cool, damp August followed by warm, dry conditions in September and October provided perfect conditions for noble rot. The result: richly concentrated wines with stunning clarity and precision. Alongside d’Yquem, Rieussec was one of the standout performers of the year.


Explore Related Collections


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