Rieussec Sauternes 2018 375ml

94-96 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "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. (Apr 2019)"

94-96 points Wine Enthusiast: "Plenty of ripe botrytis with a dry core is surrounded by flavors of sweet honey, ripe apricot and a touch of orange marmalade. The acidity keeps it fresh and vibrant. (Apr 2019)"

95 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Rieussec [2018] expresses itself with notes of fresh pineapple. The attack is lively, with a more balanced liqueur than in previous vintages. The finish reveals subtle hints of candied citrus, as if this vintage had been refined. (2021)"

94 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "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 Window: 2022-2042. (Apr 2019)"

93-94 points James Suckling: "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. (4/11/19)"

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "'Composed of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, the pale lemon-gold colored 2018 Rieussec slowly unfurls to offer fragrant orange blossoms, honeycomb and candied ginger scents with a core of lemon marmalade, baked pears and spice cake, plus a hint of preserved citrus peel. The palate is light on its feet with zippy freshness lifting the well-knit sweetness, finishing long with a skip in its step. If not a truly profound vintage for this label, it is a beautifully elegant and bright expression. Drink: 2023-2043. (Mar 2021)"

93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2018 Rieussec does come across a little oaky on the nose, although that is always the case here. Underneath lies plenty of honeyed fruit and touches of lemon curd, almond and apricot. The palate is well balanced, offering very pure honeyed fruit laced with vanilla, almond and hints of nougat, and more apricot and peach toward the finish. This will be a very seductive Rieussec, but afford it 4–5 years to fully assimilate the oak. Drink: 2025-2050. (Mar 2021)"

93 points Falstaff: "Light yellow-green, silver reflections. Herbal savoury scented white tropical fruit, discreet blossom honey, ripe mango fruit. Medium complexity, white peach, some pineapple, fine acidity, mineral-salty, has development potential. (May 2019)"