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. 94 points

75% Sémillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc. Gorgeous ripe aroma of pineapple and ripe lemon, and apricot. Sweet, luscious and full of that lovely almond bitterness of botrytised wines. Full in the mouth, generous, long and fresh with a fine almond-paste bitterness at the end. Long. 17.5 points

`Rieussec was hit by hail on the 15th of July,` says Eric Kohler. `For Sauternes, the botrytis began very late. It was very difficult for the botrytis to begin. There was not so much sugar this year and not so much botrytis. This is not as great a year as 2015 or 2017.` Harvest at Rieussec began on October 10 and ended on October 31. Blended of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, the pale lemon-gold colored 2018 Rieussec reveals delicate scents of lemon drops, pear tart, marzipan and crushed stones over a core of orange blossoms, white peaches and lime leaves. The palate has a quiet intensity of an array of citrus and savory layers with amazing freshness, finishing with great length and depth. 93-95 points

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. T his 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. 94-96 points