2015 Chateau Suduiraut Premier Cru Classe, Sauternes

One of the most singular wines in this vertical tasting, the 2015 Suduiraut possesses a deep, complex bouquet of exotic fruits, pineapple, white flowers and ripe orchard fruits mingled with vanilla pod and menthol hints. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with an enveloping palate, it has a fleshy core of fruit, controlled power and a delicate, gourmand and penetrating finish. It elegantly combines finesse and power. One of my favorites, this blend of 94% Sémillon and 6% Sauvignon Blanc is a splendid bottle in the making after a minimum of 15-25 years in the cellar, even if it is approachable right now. Matured for 18 months in oak barrels (50% new and 50% one-year-old), it contains 138 grams per liter of residual sugar and was produced at a yield of 16 hectoliters per hectare.

A phenomenal white with dried fruits such as apricots and mangos. Masses of bortrytis spice. Full body yet agile and bright with incredible lightness and delicacy. So much cherry blossom too. Small white flowers. Medium sweet. Ginger. Great finish.

– jamessuckling.com, Apr 2016

The 2015 Suduiraut is gracious and wonderfully expressive. Floral, citrus, mint and lightly honeyed notes convey an impression of sophistication and restraint. Beautifully sketched, with terrific delineation, lift and poise, the wine whispers rather than shouts. The blend is 94% Sémillon with 6% Sauvignon. vinous.com, February 2018

The 2015 Suduiraut comes with 123 grams per liter of residual sugar, more modest than some of its Sauternes peers and 4.56 grams per liter of acidity. It has a sense of completeness on the nose already: immense clarity with wild honey and quince aromas that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very pure botrytised fruit, very focused and one of the most intense Sauternes you will find this year. It feels long and sophisticated in the mouth yet never overpowers, never really has to put its foot right down on the accelerator. This is a wonderful Suduiraut, not quite up to the level of the ethereal 2009...although not too far off.

– eRobertParker.com, Apr 2016

Pale gold, vivid and enticing, this is totally gorgeous, fleshy pineapple, mango, quince, white pear, truffle, creme caramel and lime zest, still young and full of grip, opulent without being heavy. 150 g/l residual, 50% new oak for ageing

A ripe, rounded style, with loads of apricot, mango and glazed peach flavors, followed by a warm tarte Tatin finish. Still a touch youthfully raw, but shows serious depth.

– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, Apr 2016)

Marzipan, white chocolate, huge amounts of sweetness and persistence. Symphonic Sauternes – this is utterly exquisite. Divine. (RH)

Round and complete with many layers of interest and an intriguingly dry finish after lots of sweetness and botrytis. Really well done! You could almost enjoy this already but there is lots more to come. Drink 2024-2050.

– jancisrobinson.com, Apr 2016