Suduiraut 2005 (750ML)

97 JS / 96 WA / 96 DE / 96 JD / 95 WI / 17.5 JR

What a wine for the vintage, with spices and furniture wax undertones, then dried citrus fruit. Great intensity in this, powerful stuff. Perhaps the best 2005. - James Suckling

With 163 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2005 Suduiraut exhales a deep, complex bouquet of exotic fruits, pineapple, apricot and spices despite a slight touch of volatile acidity. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with a stunning "rôti"—the French term for the consequence of noble rot—it’s satiny and chiseled with racy acids and a long, mineral and saline finish underlined by gastronomic bitterness. This splendid Sauternes, a blend of 97% Sémillon and 3% Sauvignon Blanc, was matured for 18 months in oak barrels (65% new and 35% one year) and was harvested in four tries between September 26 and October 17. - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate

A blend of 97% Sémillon and a splash of Sauvignon Blanc for freshness, this 2005 was aged in 65% new oak for 18 months. A perfumed nose of dried osmanthus blossom, saffron, honeyed orange peel and dried mango. With sugar level at a high point of 163g/L, it's incredibly luscious and smooth on the palate with great intensity. Lifted by the ethereal acidity (3.6g/l), The purity of tangerine peel, dried apricot and yellow fruits are spiced up with white pepper and ground ginger, leading to a never-ending finish. 2023 Fine Wine Encounter. Sylvia WU, Decanter

The 2005 Suduiraut resulted from five different pickings. Everything was easy in the vineyard, but the wine struggled to ferment because of its richness. Pale to medium lemon-gold in color, it has a fabulously complex nose of creme caramel, praline, apricot preserves, and apple pie with hints of candied ginger and fallen leaves. Full-bodied and yet wonderfully refreshing, it has loads of savory and stone fruit layers, finishing long and nutty. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Mostly Semillon yet with a splash of Sauvignon, the 2005 Château Suduiraut offers up a rockingly good perfume of orange blossom, caramelized grapefruit, flower oil, spice, and brioche. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet vibrant, elegant Sauternes that has a balanced, layered, light on its feet style that makes it such a joy to drink. - Jeb Dunnuck

Tasted single blind at Southwold. This is closed on the nose with dried lychee and pineapple, but there is a hefty dose of SO2 here. The palate is much better, very pure botrytized fruit, honey, quince, honeysuckle. Has a refined manner to it. Nice kick on the finish, touch of citrus fruit, dried mango and lovely botrytis. Exudes confidence! Drink 2012-2030+ Tasted January 2009. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Tasted blind. Lightly cheesy, exciting nose. Great weight on the palate with unctuous texture and reverberation. A tad brûlée. Finishes just a little suddenly. - Jancis Robinson