Carmes de Rieussec 2020

Description

The autumn-winter of 2019-2020 was one of the warmest for the last ten years in Bordeaux, resulting 1n an early bud break around 20 March. There was frequent rain from April to June, requiring us to take measures against a significant threat of downy mildew. The vines stayed ahead of their usual growth cycle, flowering around 19 May. There was then a fairly abrupt transition with 55 days without rain over the summer months Veraison (colour change) started around 25 July. We detected quite severe water stress in some parts of our superb gravel terraces. The soil on the hillsides and at the base of the slopes, and the limestone marl soil fared much better in the hot, dry weather. For the sweet wines, it was quite a challenge to find botrytized bunches The sun-drenched grapes did not offer ideal cond巾ons for botrytis and, after waiting until 21 October, it was our Semillon from the plots around the chateau that offered the best quality this year and which formed the heart of Chateau Rieussec Tasting Notes: Delicate nose with notes of rhubarb, peach and white flowers. The palate is light and yet voluptuous. The attack is fresh, with the same rhubarb as the bouquet. The smooth finish is characterized by a buttery notes and hint of muscat.