Nose
The first nose reveals oaked notes of toasted hazelnut, followed by white flowers, spices such as ginger and white pepper, and finally very ripe yellow fruit.
Palate
The wine is full in the attack and continues in rich and fresh form on the palate. Aromas of yellow peach, roasted pineapple, ginger and preserved lemons mingle in a long, unctuous whole. The finish is absolutely delicious, lingering for a long time with honey and spiced notes.
Growing Conditions
Spring and early summer were wet in the Sauternes area, as they were throughout the Gironde. In spite of our vigilance, early attacks of botrytis appeared in August on grapes which had not yet changed colour. Luckily the arrival of warm, dry weather in September and October with stormy interludes reversed the trend and allowed our grapes to reach full maturity.
Harvest
There were a total of four selective pickings between 12th September and 30th October. The first picking from 12th to 24th September gave a low yield and the grapes were marked by passerillage, brought on by the very warm weather in September. The second picking started on 2nd October and lasted until 9th October. Some wet weather gave rise to a more generous noble rot. We obtained some very fine batches which were both rich and elegant, with fruit very much in evidence, one of this year's distinctive features. The third picking during the second half of October turned out to be superb thanks to exceptional warmth and a strongly increased concentration of fruit. The fourth picking ended with great satisfaction over the quality obtained although the yield was low, 7 hectolitres per hectare.
Bottling
Bottling date: July 22nd 2016
Aging
50% in new barrels,
50% from barrels of one vintage, for 18 months.
Appearance
Château Suduiraut 2014 has a deep golden yellow colour and is still restrained in its expression.
