2022 Suduiraut (Sauternes)

Amber in colour, with tropical fruits of passion fruit and mango on the opening beats, clear depth of flavour and contrast provided by orange peel and aniseed bitterness, low acidity. Luscious, silky, powerful, enjoyable. Pierre Montegut technical director, 7hl/h yields, 70% new barrels 30% from barrels of one vintage. 92 points

The 2022 Suduiraut is laced with hints of tangerine peel, spice, vanillin, chamomile and dried flowers. It offers a lovely mix of botrytis-inflected flavors and textures while also showing quite a bit of freshness. The 2022 is done in the lighter style the chateau favors these days. My impression is that it is still coming together, as the wine shows a very slight lack of cohesion that is not typical. 92-94 points

The 2022 Suduiraut comes from a quick and late harvest in October (three tries between 17 and 27 October with some passerille grapes in September). Bunches were affected by botrytis but did not concentrate, at least not until a period of wind and warmth. Wild honey, quince and touches of marmalade on the nose, this opens nicely in the glass. The palate is pure and viscous in texture, with marmalade, again, and dried honey. Very open and approachable on the finish. Not profound, but quite delicious. Christian Seely said he drank this for breakfast the previous day - why not? 93-95 points