Rieussec Sauternes Carmes de Rieussec 2017

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Carmes de Rieussec is dazzling. Here, too, the winemaking team captured a striking balance of richness and energy. Most second wines from Sauternes these days are light and floral. The Carmes has plenty of those qualities, but it is far from an easygoing Sauternes; rather it packs a serious punch. Lemon confit, passion fruit, exotic flowers and mint meld into the creamy, resonant finish. Drink: 2022-2032. (Mar 2020)"

93 points James Suckling: "A lovely second wine with cooked apples and peaches. Honey, too. Full-bodied, very sweet and bright. (12/22/19)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Orange blossom, honeyed peach, white flowers, and a touch of mint all emerge from the 2017 Carmes De Rieussec, which is the second wine of Chateau Rieussec. Clean, medium-bodied, fresh, and just a joy to drink, it's ideal for drinking over the coming decade or so. Drink: 2020-2030. (2/26/20)"

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Almost entirely Sémillon, this wine is rich but not heavy. Lightness comes with the surprisingly intense acidity that balances the rich apricot and honey flavors. For a second wine, this has impressive quality, ready to drink from 2022. Alcohol 13.5%. (Mar 2020)"

91 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Composed of 94% Semillon, 3% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle, the pale lemon-gold colored 2017 Carmes de Rieussec comes bounding out of the glass with rambunctious scents of candied citrus peel, pineapple tart, green mango and fresh apricots with hints of honeycomb, musk perfume and lime blossoms. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with tropical and stone fruit flavors, offering seamless freshness and a long, honey-laced finish. Yum! Drink: 2020-2034. (Mar 2020)"

91 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "The second wine of Rieussec in this vintage is 97% Semillon, with 2% Muscadelle and 1% Sauvignon Blanc. It has a nose simply bursting with fruit, in particular yellow plum, pineapple, apricot and peach, with a matchsticky lift to it. A charming palate, soft and very plump, voluminous, deliciously broad and sweet, this latter element cut with both acidity and the wine’s delightful mineral vein. It lacks the structure of the grand vin, which is only to be expected, and will be best drunk soon. Follow this maxim and this will give a lot of pleasure at a good price. (Dec 2019)"