Suduiraut 2009

The nose is fleshly rich full of lemon and orange peel back by peach and pear. The candied peel gives a lovely richness on the palate, the nutty edge of Noble |Rot adding complexity and the freshness of citrus and apple lifts the flavours balancing the sweetness. Drink 2020-2050.

Despite the comparatively low percentage of Sauvignon Blanc, this is a restrained Sauternes, with impressive freshness and balance for its concentration. Flavours of honey, vanilla pod, banana and peach give this an exotic edge, with residual sugar of 150 grams per litre adding richness to the mid-palate. A wine that will give (slightly guilty) pleasure for years to come. 10+ years.

As in 2008, a triumph! Glorious fruit content, nobility of body, balance, taste and aftertaste, perfect precise winemaking, immense future. Is it the best since 1899 or 1928? I say yes, without any doubt!

The 2009 is one of the greatest wines ever produced from the estate. It has a riveting bouquet of quince, honey, pear and a touch of clarified butter that is beautifully defined, offering scents of yellow flowers with continued aeration. It is a little heavier and more intense than its peers at this stage. The palate is beautifully balanced with perfectly judged acidity and immense purity. The finish offers crisp honey, quince and clementine notes laden with botrytis that is counterpoised by wonderful acidity. It possesses an unerring sense of completeness and composure that is irresistible. Bravo! Drink now-2050.

Pale gold colour. The Suduiraut 2009 has a delectable bouquet with wonderful delineation with scents of pineapple, almond paste, lemon curd and Kaffir lime, the new oak still prominent and demanding time to subsume. The palate has a slightly viscous entry with clear honey, nutmeg, mandarin that leads to a thrilling, almost spicy finish. Great length with a rounded, patisserie finish. There is a lot packed into the Suduiraut that is unruly at the moment, but is sure to evolve beautifully in bottle. This is simply a sensational Suduiraut. Tasted February 2011.

One of the outstanding successes of the 2009 vintage, this may surpass the superlative 2007. It has a more understated nose at the moment, but is very well defined with honey, white peach, orange peel and crushed stones. The palate has a viscous entry, is very well balanced, very powerful with great depth and effervescent minerality. Layers of botrytis layer across the mellifluous finish that is beautifully defined and sensuous. Fabulous.