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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades.
Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future."
Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. |
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Pale gold in color, the 2009 Suduiraut slowly, seductively unfurls to reveal provocative notions of dried pineapple, quince paste, chamomile tea and almond croissant with touches of honeycomb and allspice. Rich, bold and satiny textured in the mouth, the palate explodes with exotic spices, framed by seamless freshness and finishes with epic length and depth. In a word—yum!
98 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2019)
The 2009 Suduiraut, aged in 55% new oak, is surprisingly closed at first but it soon awakens with aeration and begins revving its motor. It has a divine bouquet with honey, chamomile, yellow flowers and nectarine, building layer upon layer. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit. Notes of quince and clementine emerge as it fans out wonderfully on the finish. It remains the benchmark Suduiraut of recent years. Period. 153gm/L residual sugar, 14.0% alcohol, 3.6gm/L total acidity. Tasted at the Suduiraut vertical at the château.
98 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Mar 2019)
This is loaded, with gorgeous papaya, mango, yellow apple and creamed peach flavors carried by salted caramel, toasted coconut and ginger cream notes. Very long on the finish, this just sails on and on. Showing terrific range and depth, this has a long life ahead of it. Best from 2014 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,000 cases made.
96 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2012)
The new-wood smokiness is an important element of this creamy-textured wine. The richness bares flavors of honey, botrytis, almond and orange peel. Ripe and age worthy, this wine's opulence is just beginning to show.
96 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Feb 2013)
Yummy young Sauternes with caramel, honey, dried apples, pears, and tarte tatin. Full body, layered and compacted. Medium sweet and a flavorful finish. So much to come still. Give it three or four years to understand all it has.
96 points, James Suckling (May 2013)
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