The origin of the name Rieussec remains uncertain, although writing in Grands Vins, Clive Coates asserts that the name may be a contraction of Ruisseau, the name of a stream which runs between Rieussec and Yquem, and sec, the latter part applied because the stream is known to frequently dry up during the summer months. For several generations, Château Rieussec has been a leading name in Sauternes wines. As early as 1868, Charles Cocks remarked that “Beyond any of the others, Rieussec produces wines that are very similar to Yquem wines”. The vineyards occupy one of the highest points in Sauternes after those of Yquem which are adjacent.