2002 Château Suduiraut
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Tasting notes
Shy and closed even with a time in the glass, the 2002 Suduiraut is more expressive on the palate with a medium-bodied, dense and satiny structure with racy acids that underline a gastronomic bitterness and aromas of dry apricot, quince, spices and ripe orchard fruits mingled with an oaky frame. This blend of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sémillon, picked between September 17 and November 5 in five tries, was matured for 16 months in oak barrels and has 133 grams of residual sugar.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
90% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvested 17 September to 5 November (5 tris). Aged 16 months in oak barrels (35% new, 35% one year, 30% older). RS 123 g/l, TA 4.48. Golden hue. Sweet but less complexity and a little more low-key than the surrounding vintages. Lighter weight but the acidity brings a zesty freshness to the palate. Drinking now but probably not for the long haul. (JL)
The 2002 Suduiraut has a rather conservative bouquet with melted wax, lemon curd and light wet wool aromas that feel contained, and don’t really let go. The palate is fresh on the entry with a fine bead of acidity. It feels compact and focused with lifted saline notes that lend some energy towards the finish. It is probably at its peak, or at least nearing the end of its plateau, so I would drink bottles in the next four or five years. 123gm/L residual sugar. Tasted at the Suduiraut vertical at the château.
Pale copper colour. Round, very sweet indeed but with sufficient freshness and zip. Excellent for a 2002. Satin texture and even a hint of botrytis on the nose. Very exciting and nervy. (JR)
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.