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Chateau Suduiraut is located in Preignac, Sauternes, on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, France. This appellation is renowned for its rich, sweet, noble rot wines. Listed as a First Growth in the 1855 Sauternes and Barsac classification, it was once considered second only to Chateau d'Yquem in quality. Chateau d'Yquem is the only Super-First Growth classified.
Region
The winery's 91 hectares of vineyards are planted with 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Semillon, a traditional Sauternes variety, provides structure, richness, and notes of toasted dried fruit, acacia blossoms, and candied fruit. Sauvignon Blanc, an aromatic, high-acid variety, offers distinctive citrus and white peach aromas, adding complexity and acidity to the wine. The vineyard's soil is primarily gravel and sandy clay. This highly permeable and relatively poor soil requires the vines to root deeply to absorb nutrients, resulting in low yields and a strong mineral flavor. The gravel on the surface also absorbs sunlight, helping the grapes ripen more quickly.
The vineyard is planted at a density of 7,000 vines per hectare, and the average vine age is 35 years. Located near Ciron and Garonne, the vineyard enjoys cool nights, misty autumn mornings, and abundant afternoon sunshine, creating ideal conditions for the formation and growth of noble rot. The winery maintains short pruning to allow the bunches to receive more sunlight. The grape harvesting process is meticulous, with workers picking grapes in batches according to the severity of noble rot, sometimes even re-harvesting a single vine multiple times. The winery has received Haute Valeur Environnementale certification.
In winemaking, the winery upholds a principle of unwavering quality. When producing their botrytized sweet white wine, hand-picked grapes undergo a lengthy and meticulous pressing process to obtain the most fragrant and aromatic must. The fermented wine is then aged in oak barrels for 18-24 months, allowing the wine to fully develop its flavor and structure. The winery maintains stringent quality standards and may even abandon production of the Grand Vin if the wine fails to meet expectations in a particular year.
Rating
Wine Advocate 95-97 pts
The Château Suduiraut 2014 may well be one of the best Sauternes of the vintage. This year, it is a blend of 95% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc with a healthy 145 grams per liter residual sugar and 4.5 grams per liter total acidity. It needed some coaxing on the nose so I afforded the sample five minutes of rigorous swirling. It was worth the effort as it reveals intense clear honey and mineral scents that possess exquisite definition, one of those aromatics that stop you in your tracks. The palate is clean and fresh with vibrant acidity, great depth and power as it fans out in glorious fashion on the bravura finish. The phrase “It will knock your socks off” comes to mind, so wear a couple of pairs.
Wine Enthusiast 95-97 pts
This wine shows great concentration, with rich honey and botrytis tones, leading to ripe apricot and peach. It's opulent and powerful character completely takes hold of the palate, yet by the end, lively acidity kicks in.
