The 83 hectares of vineyard which form the Chateau Rieussec estate are situated on the "communes" of Sauternes and Fargues, high up above the Garonne, in the small area where the cold of Autumn dawns makes the famous mist of the Céron river rise, bringing on the "noble rot" (botrytis cinerea). Classified "Premier Grand Cru" in 1855, Rieussec has held its reputation and the quality of its wine, throughout the difficult years which Sauternes properties have been through. Ancient property of Carmes de Langon until 1789, Château Rieussec went through a change of ownership several times and was purchased in 1985 by Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), which allowed Château Rieussec to move forward the research for high quality. In 1985, wishing to consolidate Rieussec's position, Albert Vuillier entered into partnership with Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) to go even further in the elusive search for the perfect Sauternes.