2017 Château SUDUIRAUT. Sauternes, Bordeaux (Half Bottle)

Sauternes is just south and east of the town of the Bordeaux. The key factor is the proximity to the river, from which the morning mists, combined with sunny afternoons, give rise to the famous ‘noble rot’ which concentrates the berries and gives the potential for great late-harvest sweet wine.

90% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, aged in oak for 18 months.

Suduiraut has 92 hectares of vineyard at the southern end of the commune of Preignac, very close to the great D’Yquem. Now owned by insurance giant AXA and run by the brilliant Christian Seely.

The Suduiraut stye is all about elegance, luscious sweetness balanced by freshness and complexity. This is one of their best ever vintages.

Mid-weight sweet wine which will work best with fruit tarts or creamy desserts, but not best suited to really sticky/heavy puddings.

“Tasted blind. Pure, deep gold. Really classy and distinctive with layers of savoury and sweet flavours – apricot compote in particular. Great build that finishes appetising and dry and refreshing. Long. 18.5/20.” Jancis Robinson in 2021.