Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: The oak flavors are still a bit untamed at this stage but otherwise a very together wine: long with perfectly roasted fruit and a magnificent backbone of acidity. Bravo! 17.5

Michael Schuster: Mid-gold; very marked by coconutty oak on the nose at present; rich and vital, a fine, vivid Rieussec balance, livelier than usual; Sauternes (as distinct from Barsac) richness, clear minerality, a fine, racy botrytis complexity and excellent, minerally, aromatic length; stylish, elegant, mineral-marked Rieussec—richness contained, giving this wine, like many of the best this year, a wonderful freshness. Very complete, exciting wine. Will doubtless be delicious young but even better with a bit of age. 2014–30+. 18/19