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.

The 2009 Chateau Suduiraut 2022 Ex-Chateau Release is a remarkable Sauternes Blend that hails from the esteemed Bordeaux region of France. With its enticing white color and elegant cork closure, this wine exudes sophistication from the moment it is presented.

The nose of this wine is a symphony of aromas, starting with delightful notes of caramel, honey, and dried apples. As the bouquet unfolds, hints of pears and tarte tatin emerge, adding depth and complexity. On the palate, this wine reveals its true character. It is full-bodied, with layers of flavors that are both rich and compacted. The medium sweetness balances perfectly with the wine's acidity, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience. The finish is flavorful and lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 96 points. He describes it as a "yummy young Sauternes" and recommends giving it three or four years to fully appreciate its potential. Decanter magazine also praises this wine, giving it a score of 97 points. They describe it as "luscious and enticing" with a silky smooth texture. The wine displays a myriad of flavors, including saffron, quince, apricot, white truffle, citrus, and pineapple. The review highlights the wine's complexity and its ability to seduce the senses.

Other critics, such as Jeff Leve and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, also laud this wine, giving it scores of 97 and 98 points respectively. Leve notes the wine's caramel, crème brulee, flowers, pineapple, apricot, honey, and butterscotch aromas, while Parker's Wine Advocate praises its explosive palate filled with exotic spices. Vinous magazine describes this vintage as the benchmark Suduiraut of recent years, emphasizing its divine bouquet and razor-sharp acidity.

With its opulence and age-worthiness, the 2009 Chateau Suduiraut 2022 Ex-Chateau Release is a wine that will continue to evolve and delight for years to come. Its complexity, richness, and exceptional balance make it a true masterpiece from Chateau Suduiraut.