“With time, Suduiraut unveils distinctive acidity, its youthful vigor gradually softening and revealing remarkable depth and richness.” – Wine Advocate

Voila. Nine years of maturity have given this 97 POINT (with a 95 and 96) stunner all the depth and richness one could hope for! But, if you should choose, you could wait another nine years and it would be just as incredible - if not moreso.

Not much to say or think about for some of the best vintage Sauternes splits money can buy at $35. Really, even if you don’t drink Sauternes often, there’s good reason to have a bottle or two of these in your stash to elevate a next special meal. Be it with or for dessert, or with foie gras, blue cheeses, candied nuts, strawberries and cream, the pairing fun to be had here is only limited with your imagination!

Insider Tip: If you’re in Bordeaux and don’t have time to visit Sauternes, stop by one of Pauillac’s best, Pichon Baron, for a taste of Suduiraut too, as they are sister properties. You’re welcome.

For understanding Suduiraut’s supremacy, Wine Advocate explains, that “the predominance of Sémillon is a crucial strength for Suduiraut, as this grape excels in producing top-quality sweet wines… the other secret to Suduiraut’s quality is its extraordinary terroir. Located in the commune of Preignac, just beneath Château d’Yquem, most of Suduiraut’s soils are sandy gravel mixed with clay. However, the parcel closer to Yquem, situated higher on the slope, contains a higher proportion of clay. This enriches the wine’s structure, while the sandy gravel parcels enhance the estate’s vibrant and aromatic qualities. The high planting density of 7,000 vines per hectare, combined with the vines’ mature yet vigorous age (35-45 years), further cements Suduiraut as one of the best Sauternes estates today.”

We’re on the exact same frequency with what Jamie Goode of Wine Anorak once said, “I love Sauternes, and when I taste wines like these I always wonder why I don’t buy more of it and drink it more frequently. Suduiraut is one of my favourite Sauternes properties. Part of the AXA empire, it is performing at a consistently high level, perhaps only surpassed by Yquem.”

Given that comparable 2016 half bottle of Yquem will set you back 7 TIMES the steal this deal is, the choice is easy.

97 Points – Wine Advocate “The 2016 Suduiraut is fabulous. Crème brȗlée, passion fruit, tangerine peel and exotic oral notes all race out of the glass. I marvel at how Suduiraut can deliver so much flavor intensity and yet remain so gracious and classy. The 140 grams of residual sugar are very well integrated. This is such a gorgeous wine. Drink 2024-2046.”

97 Points – Vinous “The 2016 Suduiraut has 145 g/l of residual sugar. Pale lemon-gold in color, it flies out of the glass with vivacious, youthful scents of lemon tart, lime cordial, and orange blossom, plus suggestions of nutmeg, marzipan, and creme brulee. The rich, seductive, full-bodied palate really packs a powerful wallop of fruit, supported by a seamless line of freshness and a decadently oily texture, finishing long and perfumed. Drink 2024-2049.”

96 Points – Wine Enthusiast “This is a dense wine, full of rich fruit, bitter orange and apricot. Its ripe fruit is balanced by the intense botrytis while it is also freshened by the wine’s acidity. This is a great wine with a long-term future.”

95+ Points – Wine Advocate “The pale lemon-gold colored 2016 Suduiraut features vibrant lime blossom, candied peel, white peaches, guava and exotic spice notes on the nose with nuances of marzipan and crème brûlée. Rich, layered and powerful in the mouth, it has a gorgeous creamy texture, lovely vibrancy and a long, spicy finish. Drink 2021-2049.”