This Sauternes estate originally took the name Suduiraut in 1580, upon the marriage of Nicole d’Allard to Leonard de Suduiraut. After being plundered and burned down during the Fronde insurrection, in the 17th century it was rebuilt and renamed Cru du Roy by a nephew of the Suduiraut family, who planted magnificent formal gardens designed by Le Notre, King Louis XIV’s renowned gardener. The estate was designated Premier Cru status in the 1855 Classification.

AXA Millesimes acquired Suduiraut in 1992 with the aim of preserving and perpetuating the estate’s remarkable tradition of vineyard management and winemaking. 92 hectares of vineyard are planted in sandy, gravelly soil superbly suited to Semillon and Sauvignon grapes. Semillon, which represents 90% of the Suduiraut vineyard’s vine population, is the preferred variety for Sauternes. Its very thin skin is particularly sensitive to the Botrytis Cinerea that gives rise to noble rot, which in turn results in a wine which is concentrated both in sweetness and aroma. The blend is then rounded off with the addition of about 10% Sauvignon Blanc.

The vines’ age (a majority of them are over 30 years old) is a guarantee of exceptional quality, giving well-nourished and more concentrated grapes.

Classed as a Premier Cru in 1855, Suduiraut’s grand vin is made from 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc selected from the finest terroirs of the property. This wine is hand crafted at every stage, revealing remarkable finesse and complexity, and a golden color reminiscent of the sun that made it possible.

With age, the bright gold evolves to a dark amber color. With an extensive life-span, Suduiraut powerfully and harmoniously combines fruit and floral aromas with roasted and candied notes. Its superlative elegance comes from a combination of total opposites: voluptuous texture, mineral freshness, and the gentle warmth of spice notes.

The 2005 Chateau Suduiraut is a remarkable Sauternes Blend from the Bordeaux region of France. With a beautiful golden color that shimmers in the glass, this white wine is a true delight for the senses. The nose is filled with enticing aromas of dried pineapple, honey, pear, caramel, and piecrust. It is a bouquet that is both complex and inviting, drawing you in with each sniff.

On the palate, the 2005 Chateau Suduiraut is full-bodied and very sweet, with flavors that mirror the aromas. There are notes of spice, coconut, tropical fruit, and apple tart that dance across the tongue. The wine is dense and long, yet it maintains a lively character that keeps it from feeling heavy. The balance between sweetness and acidity is impeccable, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience.

Critics have raved about the 2005 Chateau Suduiraut, with many giving it high scores and praising its exceptional qualities. Wine Spectator awarded it 93 points, describing it as a wine that will reach its peak after 2013. Wine Enthusiast gave it an impressive score of 94 points, highlighting its subtle shades of botrytis and vibrant acidity. Neal Martin's Wine Journal also awarded it 93 points, noting its rich and mellifluous palate.

Jancis Robinson, one of the most respected voices in the wine world, blind tasted the 2005 Chateau Suduiraut and found it to be exciting and weighty on the palate, with an unctuous texture and a touch of brûlée. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 93 points, praising its intense entry and class. James Suckling, another renowned wine critic, declared it the best wine of the vintage, with powerful flavors and great intensity.

The 2005 Chateau Suduiraut has been described as perfectly balanced, not overly sweet, but explosively sweet with flavors of fresh nectarine, jasmine, and honeysuckle. It is a wine that lingers on the palate, creating a glorious experience that is hard to forget.

This wine is still quite young and will continue to evolve with age. It is recommended to decant it for a few hours before enjoying to fully appreciate its complexity and depth. The 2005 Chateau Suduiraut is a true gem from the Bordeaux region, showcasing the exceptional quality that can be achieved in Sauternes blends.