Sokolin Notes:
"For My Money, Suduiraut is on Par with d'Yquem." - Dave Sokolin

From the critics:

91-93 AG

91-93 RP

92 JS

92 WS

90 DEC

Featured Review

The 2019 S De Suduiraut is straight-up brilliant and unquestionably ranks with the top whites in the vintage. Bright pineapple, honeysuckle, toasted spice, and chalky mineral notes all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, vibrant, integrated acidity, and a great finish. Clean, pure, flawlessly balanced, and just a classy effort, it can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10-12 years. Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck | 95 JD

Composed of 67% Semillon and 33% Sauvignon Blanc harvested from the 5th to the 10th of September, the 2019 S de Suduiraut Blanc is aging for nine months in French oak barrels, 12% new. The alcohol came in at 13.1%. The nose starts off a little shy before taking off with notes of freshly squeezed lemons, key lime pie and yuzu zest plus touches of marzipan and honeysuckle. The medium-bodied palate has a lovely suggestion of creaminess to the texture, helping to support the racy citrus flavors, finishing with an invigorating lift.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 91-93 RP

The 2019 S de Suduiraut Vielles Vignes is rich and ample in feel, with all of the natural richness of the old vines on display. White flowers, coconut, passion fruit, mint and dried flowers offer a striking interplay of tropical and savory notes. The 2019 is beautifully done.

Antonio Galloni | 91-93 AG

Alluring, with a lemon, peach and gooseberry core, infused with tarragon and verbena notes, framed with a stylish shortbread accent. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2023. 333 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 92 WS

Pineapple, lemon, chopped apple, smoked almond and some caramel on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fresh acidity and a rich, nutty and flavorful palate. Excellent length. Sauvignon blanc and semillon. Drink now.

James Suckling | 92 JS

Gorgeous, nuanced and expressive nose, showing honey and sweet lemon curd. Mouth-watering juiciness, red apple, pear and some gooseberry, a little less zesty and exotic. I like the immediate flavours of tangerine juice and orange. Quite bright, then settles before the wood comes in, overpowering the ending for now. Spicy and structured. Drinking Window 2023 - 2026.

Decanter | 90 DEC

Type of Wine	Bordeaux White : In the world of wine, all other regions must bow before Bordeaux. The absurdly-talented white wine producers continue to assert their dominance by bringing out the true potential of varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Gris. If you have even the slightest bit of appreciation for fine white wine, these bottles will change your life.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.
Region	Bordeaux : Even among the greatest and most reputable wine regions on the planet, Bordeaux stands above the rest. The winemakers of this region have a single-minded dedication to the fine art of viticulture and their efforts never fail to show. If you consider yourself a fine wine enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to visit Bordeaux - life changing. Whether you wish to drink some inspirational and gripping wine as soon as possible, or you want to add some masterpieces to your collection, no region on Earth is a more obvious choice. The noble and beautiful Garonne and Dordogne rivers surge through southwestern France, enriching the soil in a way very few other places can boast. The limestone-based earth is rich in calcium, and the almost oceanic climate conditions give the staple Bordeaux grape varietals vigor and flavor like nowhere else. For their illustrious reds, Bordeaux winemakers rely on a proven combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Meanwhile, a sip of their excellent white wine hints at the use of Semillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc.Each of these varietals carries a unique identity, making every quality wine a character piece to rival Citizen Kane. It can be incredibly hard to choose only a few wines to collect for your cellar!
Subregion	Left Bank
Appellation	Sauternes

Producer	Chateau Suduiraut : Located forty kilometers southeast of the city of Bordeaux, the 17th Century castle of Chateau Suduiraut stands proud upon prized ground. Its magnificent gardens and surrounding vineyards lay shrouded in morning fogs, which dispel soon after the golden rays of the sun embrace the vines. It is here, in the vineyards where something magical occurs; a natural wonder that has helped to define the greatness that is Chateau Suduiraut. Renowned for its highly-prized sweet wines made predominantly from Semillon, the Premier Cru Classe Sauternes’ estate has elicited joy and delight to consumers around the globe for centuries. It has since, increased its holdings and portfolio while perpetuating the founding principles upon which it was built. The first chapter of Chateau Suduiraut was written in 1580 on the marriage of Nicole d'Allard to Leonard de Suduiraut; the property being a dowry. A grand chateau was constructed, but unfortunately, plundered and burned down during the Fronde insurrection, but then rebuilt in the 17th Century. The estate was re-named Cru du Roy (the name found on older bottles) in the late 18th century on being taken over by a nephew of the Suduiraut family, Jean Joseph Duroy, Baron of Noaillan. The family home then acquired a cartouche featuring the Suduiraut and Duroy coats of arms, which was to give rise to the escutcheon used by Chateau Suduiraut today. Within close proximity to the esteemed Chateau d’Yquem, the 91-hectare vineyard of Suduiraut resides on prime Sauternes’ real-estate and a highly coveted terroir of gravely, sandy clay soils. It is this unique terroir that gives the wine its outstanding opulence. The thin soil which retains very little water leads to low yields. It concentrates the grapes' qualities and forces the vine to draw its nourishment from deep in the earth. The wine's relationship with the terroir is even stronger because of this, and expresses itself with strongly-marked minerality. Furthermore, the top layer of stones captures the sun’s heat, thereby helping the grapes to reach maturity more rapidly. Another key element to the viticultural process is the development of Botrytis Cinerea, otherwise known as noble rot; a beneficial and welcome fungus that attacks the grapes, drying them to a raisin-like state and enclosing precious, concentrated juices inside. The result is a honeyed, nectar-like wine that is often referred to as “liquid gold”. Chateau Suduiraut’s geographic proximity to the Ciron and Garonne rivers allows this natural phenomenon to occur. They both provide ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis Cinerea: cool nights and morning autumn mists followed by fine sunny weather during the day. The vineyards are planted to 88% Semillon and 12% Sauvignon Blanc. Semillon, a traditional variety of the region, when infected with noble rot has an ample structure on the palate and gives the wine great mellowness and unctuosity. Wines produced with Semillon grapes are remarkably aromatic, evoking honeyed fragrances, grilled dried fruits, acacia blossom and candied citrus. Sauvignon Blanc has very characteristic aromas such as citrus, white peach and exotic fruits. When vinified as a dessert wine, it adds a touch of acidity to the blend, bringing freshness and aromatic complexity. Chateau Suduiraut’s Grand Vin, classed as a Premier Cru (or First Growth) in the Official Classification of 1855, is made entirely from Semillon grapes selected from the finest terroirs of the property. The wine is hand crafted at every stage of its development and reveals remarkable finesse and complexity and a golden color. With age the bright gold evolves to a dark amber. With an extensive life-span, it powerfully and harmoniously combines fruit and floral aromas with roasted and candied notes. It can be enjoyed on the young side, but will not reach full maturity until 15-40 years after the vintage, or in the best vintages even longer. It is one of the longest lived wines in the world. The Suduiraut portfolio includes a second wine, Castelnau de Suduiraut, which made its debut in 1992. They also produce dry white Bordeaux wines. Their first dry white wine, S de Suduiraut, was produced with the 2004 vintage and in 2015, they added a second dry white Bordeaux wine, Le Blanc Sec. Le Blanc Sec was the property’s second effort in making entry levels wines. The estate launched the third wine in 2011, designed to reach younger customers, Lions de Suduiraut, which is produced from almost 100% Semillon and a small touch of Sauvignon Blanc to create the blend. It can be enjoyed upon release. Starting with the 2021 vintage, Chateau Suduiraut reinvigorated its lineup of dry white wines. Today, they produce Chateau Suduiraut Vieilles Vignes, which comes from their oldest vines, Chateau Suduiraut Pur Semillon which is made from 100% Semillon and Lions de Suduiraut Blanc Sec, which is their entry level Bordeaux Blanc. This insanely delicious and diverse portfolio has limited availability on the market and should be purchased with haste as the wines are in high demand with low supply. For example, the 2020 Grand Vin produced a mere 3,000 cases. Chateau Suduiraut is among the finest producers in the world; innovative and unabashedly open to evolving its collection to adapt to new world palates, while also preserving its Grand Vin and the traditional vinification processes that have long lent great success to the region.