Château Rieussec was founded by an order of Carmelite monks before it was confiscated by the government during the French Revolution and then auctioned to the Marheilhac family in 1790. It was ranked as a Premier Cru in Sauternes during the 1855 Classification. In 1984, Château Lafite Rothschild purchased the estate, and over the years, has expanded the vineyards to almost 90 hectares. The vines are planted to 90% Sémillon, 7% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle over gravel, sand, clay and limestone soils.

Rieussec's second wine, Carmes de Rieussec, takes its name from the founders of the estate, the Carmelite Monks. The same care and attention that goes into the Grand Vin is also used for the second wine. A blend of 80-90% Sémillon with the rest a balance of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, Carmes de Rieussec is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Notes of acacia flowers, fresh pear, candied citrus and apricots compliment a well rounded structure with tight acidity and a long, satisfying finish.