This wine contains an extremely high percentage of Semillon (usually about 90%), which was to its benefit in 1997. The wine is light medium gold-colored, with a blockbuster nose of Grand Marnier liqueur intertwined with flower blossoms, smoky new oak, and coconut. Well-integrated wood has resulted in a seamless, full-bodied, unctuously-textured wine with considerable sweetness. This is a stunningly proportioned, beautifully pure wine. (RP)

Much paler and greener than young Rieussec used to be. Alluring nose somehow combines tropical fruits with some animal scents. Rich, charming, subtle, flirtation and appetising on the palate. It should provide pleasure quite early in its life. 17/20 points. (JR)