Château Suduiraut 2005

A historic vineyard of Sauternes, Château Suduiraut was recognized as a Premier Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification and stands today as one of the appellation's most prestigious estates. Located near the legendary Château d’Yquem, it is also one of the four largest vineyards in Sauternes with 91 hectares under vine. 

The estate’s origins trace back to 1580, when Nicole d’Allard married Léonard de Suduiraut, lending the château its name. It was later renamed Cru du Roy in the late 18th century by Jean Joseph Duroy, Baron of Noaillan, a descendant of the Suduiraut family. The estate has since evolved into a benchmark of excellence, and is now owned by AXA Millésimes, also known for Château Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac.

Château Suduiraut is distinguished by a delicate balance between climate and terroir. The vineyard, certified High Environmental Value (HEV 3), is planted on gravelly sandy clay soils, ideal for the development of noble rot. With a planting ratio of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, high vine density (7,000 vines/ha), and an average vine age of 33 years, the estate consistently produces wines of exceptional depth and elegance. 

The winemaking process at Château Suduiraut involves a labor-intensive technique called "noble rot," or botrytis cinerea, which causes the grapes to become partially raisined and concentrates their sugar content. This process results in wines with a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and complex, with notes of honey, apricot, and orange peel. 

Château Suduiraut produces several different wines Sauternes and dry white wines, including the grand vin Château Suduiraut, as well as a second wine called Castelnau de Suduiraut. The winery also produces a limited edition cuvée called "Lions de Suduiraut," which is only made in exceptional vintages.

The wine is a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the estate’s finest terroirs. It reveals a radiant golden color and offers sublime floral and fruity aromas, with notes of honey, apricot, and orange peel. On the palate, it is a perfect balance of elegance, freshness, and harmony, with a long, graceful finish that showcases its complexity and richness.  Each bottle is a true expression of this exceptional terroir.

Overall, Château Suduiraut is considered one of the top producers of sweet white wines in the world and has won numerous awards and accolades for its wines.

"Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 Château Suduiraut seemed a little out of sorts at first, although it comes together with honey, barley sugar, orange blossom and mineral scents that become more delineated as its aerates. The palate is very intense on the entry. There is a beautiful line of acidity that cuts through the viscous fruit, though the finish does not quite exude the precision of a top vintage, but still delivers that sense of class one expects from this address." - Neal Matin, Wine Advocate (6/2015), Ratings: 93