A prodigious effort, possibly the finest Suduiraut since 1959, the medium gold-colored 2001 offers notes of creme brulee, caramelized citrus, Grand Marnier, honeysuckle, and other exotic fruits as well as a pleasant touch of oak. With terrific acidity, a voluptuous/unctuous palate, and sweet, powerful flavors buttressed by crisp acidity, it is a phenomenal Sauternes. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040.
-Wine Advocate #153 Jun 2004

(93-96 pts)
One of the most remarkable wines made at this estate over the last 30 years, the 2001 reveals notes of white flowers intermixed with honeyed peaches and tropical fruits (pineapples) along with a sweet, unctuous texture. There is tremendous freshness and definition (because of good acidity) in this seamless, full-throttle, massively endowed 2001. It appears to be a legend in the making. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030.
-Wine Advocate #146 Apr 2003

(90-93 pts)
No tasting note given.
-Wine Advocate #140 Apr 2002

Gorgeous aromas of honey, passion fruit, mango and candied lemon rind. Full-bodied and ultraconcentrated, yet balanced and refined. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This has just about everything in the right place. Stunning. Best after 2009. 6,665 cases made. — JS

Medium yellow-gold. Flamboyantly ripe, complex nose combines pineapple, apricot, toffee, clove and vanilla. Hugely sweet and rich, with deep, powerful flavors of honey, marzipan and toffee. A major mouthful of wine, with great lingering sweetness. Today, this makes the Rieussec seem almost polite by comparison.

The 2001 Suduiraut has a very well-defined bouquet of marmalade, honeysuckle, touches of kerosene and pine, all focused and vigorous. The palate is balanced with a fine bead of acidity, fresh and vibrant, featuring Seville orange marmalade mixed with orange peel, peach and wild honey; it displays a little more delineation than I have noticed compared to previous bottles, and great cohesion and persistence on the finish. Excellent.

Pale yellow-gold. Explosive nose combines fruit salad, rose petal and spices, with a high-toned note of candied banana. A wine of great concentration and extract, with a racy sugar/acid balance that's almost painful. Chewy and urgent but not phenolic. Finishes with great palate-staining persistence. A monumental vintage for this chateau.

With 150 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2001 Suduiraut is showing elegantly today with a delicate, mature bouquet of apricots, spices, candied orange, saffron and pineapple. Medium to full-bodied, it has an elegant and round palate and a somewhat metallic character, and it’s long and fresh with delicate notes of quince in the finish. This blend of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc was matured for 24 months in oak barrels (40% new, 30% one year and 30% older).

90% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Aged 24 months in oak barrels (40% new, 30% one year, 30% older). RS 150 g/l, TA 4.9. Old-gold hue. Racy and complex and clearly in an interesting phase. Rich and botrytised but a lovely line of acidity that adds freshness. Touch of mint or thyme to complement the confit-fruit notes. Intense but harmonious. Pleasure now but will continue to age. (JL)

A great Sauternes vintage from an impeccable property that's already drinking well but has a great future ahead of it, too. On the richer side. (JR)