2017 Chateau Suduiraut
By Chateau Suduiraut
2017 Chateau Suduiraut from Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes, Bordeaux
Even among the rarefied sweet wines of Sauternes, the 2017 Chateau Suduiraut from Chateau Suduiraut manifests a unique character that speaks to the confluence of terroir, climatic peculiarities and winemaking finesse. With four decades spent tracing the evolution of Bordeaux's dessert-wine darlings, this particular vintage is notable for the balance it strikes between opulence and precision.
The Making of a Remarkable Sauternes Vintage
2017 was a year that posed considerable challenges across Bordeaux, with an April frost significantly reducing yields. Indeed, it is in such trying years that the expertise of esteemed estates like Chateau Suduiraut shines. The silver lining to this reduction was a concentrated crop of botrytized grapes, leading to wines of extraordinary intensity and complexity.
Nectar for the Discerning Palate
This vintage of Chateau Suduiraut exudes an aromatic profile rich with candied citrus peel, ripe peach and a whisper of toasted almond. On the palate, one is immediately struck by the languid honeyed texture - a seductive dance between lushness and vivacious acidity. Layers unfurl to reveal exotic spices juxtaposed with fresh stone fruits, carried through to an everlasting finish that is nothing short of ambrosial poetry.
An astute acquisition for fine wine investors, the 2017 Chateau Suduiraut displays all the hallmarks of longevity and pedigree one anticipates from a top-tier Sauternes. Its fortitude through a difficult vintage speaks volumes about its future grace in cellar.
Crafting an Oenological Legacy
In conclusion, the beguiling 2017 Chateau Suduiraut from Chateau Suduiraut transcends typical expectations of wine investment pieces by offering not just an asset expected to appreciate gracefully, but also a sensory journey through one of Bordeaux's most poignant vintages. This specific articulation by Chateau Suduiraut will assuredly be marked as one for connoisseurs and collectors alike - an impeccably crafted beacon within their portfolios.
Current market price
$690.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
22.78
Scores and tasting notes
What a crazy Sauternes. The density and sweetness are amazing, yet at the same time it’s fresh and bright with an inspirational energy and dryness at the end. Phenolic and textured.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Suduiraut was picked via three tries, with 75% of the crop picked in the second tries from 4 to 15 October. The harvest finished on 19 October, one of the last in Sauternes and after Yquem. “We were touched by the frost but not in the top terroir,” winemaker Pierre Montegut told me. It is matured in around 50% new oak. It has an expressive, harmonious bouquet with dried honey, white flowers and a touch of gripe water (a children’s medicine for those in the United States. I have been informed there is no equivalent on the other side of the Atlantic). The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening, well judged acidity, plenty of botrytized fruit with a long, lightly spiced finish that feels so fresh and vital. This is a superb Suduiraut from Pierre Montegut and his team.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
Unctuous, offering melon, apricot and fig notes melded together, laced with bitter orange and maple accents, with a spicy, broad finish.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
The 2017 Suduiraut has a compelling brininess to the nose with a core of lemon curd, lime cordial and green mango with touches of musk perfume and chalk dust. The mouth is very rich and packed with decadent layers, with just enough freshness and great length.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 27 April 2018