2025 Suduiraut (Sauternes)

Pale gold colour, as seductive as ever. Strikes immediately with a texture that is rich and powerful, opulent without being heavy. The 13hl/h yields are just a little higher than the last two years, a reminder of how tough Sauternes has had it in recent vinages. 50% new oak. 4.04pH, 158g/l residual sugar, mix of botryitis and 5% passerillage (often that is a sign for good vintage for reds because it suggests that there was sustained drought. The real botrytis came with the rain of September 20. 95 points

The 2025 Suduiraut is 100% Semillon picked six weeks later than the dry whites in the three tries, with most of the final blend coming from the last two picks. Tangerine oil, mint, white pepper and passion fruit are some of the notes that grace the palate. The 2025 is aromatic and light on its feet, but it also shows the natural depth and concentration of a vintage with yields of 13 hectoliters per hectare. Residual sugar is 158 grams per liter. 94-96 points

The 2025 Suduiraut is pure Semillon, picked mostly after October 10 (there was a first picking of more passerille fruit that constituted around 10% of the blend). It is mainly from the second trie, with a last picking at the end of October. There were a total of 10 days of picking. This has a fragrant bouquet with wild honey, linseed, saffron and light orange pith scents that blossom in the glass, though I would not describe it as intense, but very pure. The palate is well balanced, with a viscous opening, very pure botrytised fruit and a killer line of acidity. There is no heaviness here, and despite the 158 g/L residual sugar, it feels light on its toes. Oh yes. 96-98 points