2018 Château Suduiraut
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Tasting notes
Crafted entirely from Sémillon grapes, a decision influenced by the challenges of a year that saw the estate lose half its crop to downy mildew, the 2018 Suduiraut evokes a floral, exuberant bouquet of rose, fresh grapes, Gewürztraminer grape and spices mingled with notes of exotic fruits. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with a delicate, precise mid-palate, it’s tense and ethereal with bright acids and a long, penetrating finish. Harvested across four tries or passes from October 10 to November 10, it underwent a 20-month maturation period in oak barrels and contains 125 grams per liter of residual sugar. Yields: five hectoliters per hectare.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
100% Sémillon. Harvested 10 October to 9 November (4 tris). 5 hl/ha (half the crop lost to downy mildew). Aged 16–20 months in oak barrels (50% new, 50% one year). RS 125 g/l, TA 3.8. Definitely a weaker year for Suduiraut. Lighter and simpler, the botrytis character less emphatic. Reasonably open already with a soft fruit note and touch of vanilla oak. Short on the finish. Enjoy early but not for the long haul. (JL)
Picked in November. An unusual failure for this property. Very deep apricot-coloured gold. Non-classic nose. Furry edge to this. Not pure! But certainly very sweet. Candy-sweet rather than nobly sweet. (JR)
Wonderful grilled peach, orange blossom, apricot, and honeyed flower notes all emerge from the 2018 Chateau Suduiraut, a more medium to full-bodied, elegant Sauternes that has nicely integrated acidity, a lively, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. I don't think it's one of the greats here, but it has ample character, stays light and graceful on the palate, and is already a joy to drink. It should evolve for 15+ years or so.
About the producer
Among the very best Sauternes estates, Ch. Suduiraut is owned by AXA Millésimes, which also manages Pichon Baron. The team works meticulously to select the finest fruit from its 91 hectares of vines, bordering Yquem. The resulting wines are intensely concentrated, balanced, complex and age-worthy.