Liquid Gold, part 2 — a visit to Château Suduiraut


Château Suduiraut

After an unforgettable morning at d’Yquem and a fantastic (rich!) lunch in Sauternes, the magnificent Château Suduiraut was next on my list. Other than the great wine, seeing the château itself was my favorite part of the visit. Completely modernized by AXA since their acquisition of the property in 1992, it is a popular conference spot nowadays with its own stellar restaurant onsite. In fact, much of what is served is grown right there in their gardens.

Château Suduiraut

And what gardens they are! I could happily get lost with a blanket and a book (and, naturally, some Château Suduiraut and local cheese) for hours. While the late spring morning in Sauternes had been fresh and misty, by the afternoon it was hot and still — this microclimate makes the area unique, and is what ultimately brings on the glorious botrytis that makes the area so famous.


They generously opened three wines for me: Castelnau de Suduiraut 2006, Suduiraut 2007 and Suduiraut 2001. The 2001, while showing graceful age, still possessed youthful vigor and was definitely the most interesting in the flight, with prominent baked fruit and citrus zest. I’d love to revisit it in another 10 years.


What makes Suduiraut and all Sauternes so special is the meticulous balance between nature and winemaking. Ancient traditions are still practiced in this part of the world, and while thoroughly modernized, the great respect for the past is what governs these great wines of the future. 


Cheers! Tweet me anytime @LAWineGal! 

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