The producer
Located in the commune of Preignac, just south of d’Yquem, Suduiraut is a large, beautiful estate with parkland, fields and forest. Less than half (90 hectares) is devoted to vineyards, which are planted to 89% Semillon and 11% Sauvignon Blanc grown mostly on sandy gravel.
Classified as 1er Cru Classe, Suduiraut has been owned by AXA Millesimes (which also owns Chateaux Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac) since 1992. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and then matures in (one third) new oak barrels for 24 months. Suduiraut is a rich, intense, luscious and very long ageing Sauternes.
The wine
Grapes for Suduiraut is sourced from the estate’s finest vineyards just south of d’Yquem, in the village of Preignac. Vines are on average 45 years old. The blend varies with vintage conditions, but the Semillon content is often as high as 100%.
Fermentation takes place in barrels – with 35-70% new oak – and is followed by ageing for 16-24 months. Suduiraut is a rich, intense, luscious, and very long ageing Sauternes, with complex tropical, candied fruit and spice aromatics, a velvety and graceful texture, and a long spicy finish.
