2011 Château Suduiraut

Characterized by notes of volatile acidity, the 2011 Suduiraut reveals aromas of quince, dry apricots and spices with air and time in the glass. Medium-bodied, round, and enveloping with a sweet core of fruit, it’s fresh despite its heavy finish. Crafted from a challenging vintage, this blend of 93% Sémillon and 7% Sauvignon Blanc was matured for 20 months in 45% new oak barrels and the rest one-year-old barrels and contains 148 grams per liter of residual sugar. Harvested in three tries from September 12 to October 5, it is fully mature and offers straightforward enjoyment today.

93% Sémillon, 7% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvested 12 September to 5 October (3 tris). Yield 12 hl/ha. Aged 20 months in oak barrels (45% new, 55% one year). RS 148 g/l, TA 3.5. Rich and concentrated, the botrytis evident. More going on than the 2010. Apricot and confit-fruit notes. Lush and intense on the palate but a lovely lift of acidity so fresh and balanced. Long on the finish. A pleasure now but will age. (JL)

Divine vanilla and mixed-peel aromas, cinnamon and saffron. Rare yet generous, with burnt sugar and blossom on the finish. Not at all heavy, but loads of sweetness. Lemon fruit gives zingy persistence. Not the most botrytic of styles – eg not mushroomy – but there is a touch of soy savoury character too. (RH)