2020 Le Blanc Sec de Suduiraut

93 DEC

Qty:

From the critics:

93 JS

89-91 RP

Featured Review

I love the dry whites from the Sauternes area, and this is a good example - and of why Sémillon is such an interesting grape to work with in crafting dry whites with personality. A little less round in mouthfeel from some in the area (not appellation - this is Bordeaux Blanc), but still with slate texture and minerality showing how well the soils here can work for dry whites, and an excellent juicy delivery of citrus and white pear. Drinking Window 2021 - 2026. Decanter

Decanter | 93 DEC

This is a beautiful, layered white with solid structure and intensity. Full-bodied. Lots of grapefruit and dried green-mango character. 54% semillon, the rest sauvignon. Best ever. Beautiful to drink now.

James Suckling | 93 JS

Composed of 54% Semillon and 46% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2020 Le Blanc Sec de Suduiraut is being aged for six months in vats (75%) and the rest in oak barrels, 30% of which are new. It hits the ground running with vibrant notions of freshly squeezed limes, lemon meringue pie and Granny Smith apples, plus hints of dillseed and white pepper. The medium-bodied palate delivers an impressive satiny texture along with a racy line cutting through the citrus and apple-inspired flavors, finishing long and steely.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 89-91 RP

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.
Subregion	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.