2013 Chateau Suduiraut Premier Cru Classe, Sauternes 1x750ml

Antonio Galloni 94-96

The 2013 Suduiraut is magnificent. A bold, direct Sauternes, the 2013 hits the palate with an exotic melange of apricot jam, lychee, spices, mint and honey. One of the bigger, deeper wines of the vintage, the Suduiraut is firing on all cylinders today. This is a great showing. [Antonio Galloni, 04/01/2014]

Neal Martin 92

The 2013 Suduiraut, picked from 3 to 30 October, is destined to be overshadowed by the succeeding two vintages. The aromatics feel very contained with beeswax, dried honey and light spicy aromas, although it is missing the intensity of a top vintage. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, very focused and poised, perhaps a more approachable Suduiraut since it does not possess the concentration of a more benevolent growing season. But it retains admirable freshness and there is a lovely spiciness, a dab of ginger on the aftertaste. 13.6% alcohol, 145gm/L residual sugar. Tasted at the Suduiraut vertical at the chateau. [Neal Martin, 27/03/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2040

Vinous 93-95

(92% semillon and 8% sauvignon blanc; 50% new oak): Bright yellow with a golden tinge. Deep, pure and rather refined on the nose, with aromas of exotic fruits, hazelnut and honey complicated by a boatload of smoky botrytis. Opulent on the attack, then large-scaled and solidly structured in the middle palate, delivering very pure, precise flavors of caramel apple, mango, papaya, grapefruit and honey. Big but not heavy, this finishes rich, strong and long, with notes of vanilla and sweet spices framed by laser-like acidity. A knockout Suduiraut. The estate performed three tries from late September to late October, but the wine is made up almost entirely of the second picking. This marvelously balanced wine sports roughly 145 grams per liter of residual sugar and about 5.6 grams of total acidity. [Ian D’Agata, 05/01/2014]

Wine Advocate 93-95

The 2013 Suduiraut has one of the more flamboyant bouquets of the vintage, one that is actually reminiscent of de Fargues. There are copious Satsuma and dried honey scents, hints of beeswax and almond that keep your snout in the glass. The palate is very well-balanced with a viscous entry, just a touch of marmalade and quince coming through, and then blossoming toward the weighty finish that shows just a touch more oak at the moment. This is an excellent Suduiraut. [Neal Martin, 30/04/2014]