Carmes de Rieussec is the accessibly delectable 'second wine' from Sauternes producer Chateau Rieussec. It is named after the monks of the Carmelites of Langon, owners of the estate of Rieussec back in the eighteenth century.

Mellot and intense, it revels in apricot and fig flavours - this is medium-to-full bodied dessert wine with plenty of botrytis character evident.

Delicious now, a few years in the cellar would add some extra velvety softening. That said, the balance is exceptional and there is freshness aplenty.