2013 Chateau Suduiraut Premier Cru Classe, Sauternes 12x750ml

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, 01/05/2014]

Robert Parker 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, 04/30/2014]

JancisRobinson.com 16.5

Tasted blind. A little bit woody on the nose. Big, rich and viscous on the palate. Impressive length. Bold and just a little brash, then spice on the finish. Pure and very clean edges, and long. Very intense, honeyed citrus on the end. (JH) [01/26/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2040