2013 Suduiraut

The 2013 Suduiraut, picked from 3 to 30 October, is destined to be overshadowed by the succeeding two vintages. The aromatics feel very “contained” with beeswax, dried honey and light spicy aromas, although it is missing the intensity of a top vintage. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, very focused and poised, perhaps a more approachable Suduiraut since it does not possess the concentration of a more benevolent growing season. But it retains admirable freshness and there is a lovely spiciness, a dab of ginger on the aftertaste. 13.6% alcohol, 145gm/L residual sugar. Tasted at the Suduiraut vertical at the château.

This is on the exotic side of the ledger, with mouthfilling ginger, mango, quince and papaya flavors that course through, backed by a singed marshmallow note on the long, unctuous finish. Approachable, but no hurry. JM

This is phenomenal with superb depth and texture. Full-bodied and very sweet, yet the bright acidity balances the wine out. Creamy mouthfeel with phenolic undertones. Great finish. This wine has a great future. Better in 2021, but already great.

Brilliant mid gold. Intense, super-clean, classic, beautifully made Sauternes from a vintage that has a deeply dodgy reputation, producing very light, often tart, reds, but which yielded its best wines in Sauternes and Barsac. Take advantage! Waxy, lanolin notes. Early maturing.
JR - Nov 2018

(92% semillon and 8% sauvignon blanc; 50% new oak): Bright yellow with a golden tinge. Deep, pure and rather refined on the nose, with aromas of exotic fruits, hazelnut and honey complicated by a boatload of smoky botrytis. Opulent on the attack, then large-scaled and solidly structured in the middle palate, delivering very pure, precise flavors of caramel apple, mango, papaya, grapefruit and honey. Big but not heavy, this finishes rich, strong and long, with notes of vanilla and sweet spices framed by laser-like acidity. A knockout Suduiraut. The estate performed three tries from late September to late October, but the wine is made up almost entirely of the second picking. This marvelously balanced wine sports roughly 145 grams per liter of residual sugar and about 5.6 grams of total acidity. Ian D'Agata

A superb wine! Luscious textures, fat, rich, honeyed tropical fruits and vanilla, and candied lemon peel on the nose. Sweet and spicy on the palate, with a beautiful, fresh, honyed tropical fruit, vanilla and candied citrus rind finish.