2002 Sauternes, Château Suduiraut
About Producer
Located in Preignac, the property took the name of Suduiraut on the marriage of Nicole d’Allard to Léonard de Suduiraut in 1580. Suduiraut was classified premier cru of Sauternes in 1855 and there were numerous proprietors in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Quality slipped in the 1970s with a series of inconsistent vintages when there was no selection and the wine was aged mostly in cement tanks. Things started to improve in the 1980s and since its acquisition by Axa Millésimes in 1992, this estate has gone from strength to strength to reclaim its former glory. Suduiraut is now definitely among the best premiers crus of Sauternes. The vineyards cover 91ha on gravelly, sandy clay soil, bordering those of Yquem, with on average 35 year-old vines planted in high density (7,000 vines per ha).
Varietals
Blend of 90% sémillon and 10% sauvignon blanc. Aged for 16 months in oak barrels, 35% new. In 2002, five successive ‘tries’ (passes) were carried out during harvest to pick the ripest bunches and yields were 15hl/ha, with only 52% of the grapes deemed suitable to the grand vin.
About Appellation
Sauternes appellation covers 2,200ha of vines and sit on gravel and pebbles on limestone soil with clay veins. The appellation includes wine from the five villages of Sauternes, Barsac, Bommes, Fargues and Preignac. The area benefits from a unique microclimate where cold waters of River Ciron meeting warmer currents of River Garonne generate autumnal mists that trigger the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) across the vineyards. Sémillon reigns supreme with 80% of the plantings, with sauvignon blanc and, in a tiny proportion, muscadelle playing the supporting role. It's home to 27 grands crus classés in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, with Yquem having the unique title of Premier Cru Supérieur.
Tasting Notes
Enthralling nose of ripe honeyed fruit, orange marmalade, barley sugar and acacia blossom, round and unctuous mouthfeel with satiny texture, good depth and excellent purity, oodles of rich flavours of pineapple, apricot, apple, confit lemon, orange peel, candied citrus liberally laced with vanilla notes and hints of mineral undertones, racy line of acidity carrying through a long, caressing finish. This is a superb wine with remarkable finesse, impeccable balance and no shortage of complexity. Though lacking the magnificence of its 2001 sibling, this is an elegant, delicate wine exuding captivating harmony and exquisite charm. It’s sweet yet without ever straying into cloying, thanks to a lively freshness that adds a vibrant lift on the palate. (09/2021)