Suduiraut 2008

Tasted single blind against its peers. The Chateau de Suduiraut 2008 has a beautiful, dare I say effortless bouquet that blossoms from the glass with scents of lemon curd, white peach, citrus lemon and limestone. It is very precise, armed with a laser-like focus. The palate is viscous and compelling on the entry and it fans out beautifully across the palate with pure botrytized, honeyed fruit. The acidity slices through this Sauternes like a razorblade and the finish is natural and vibrant. This is a sublime sweet wine that deserves a home in every cellar.

Honeyed lemon aroma. Very sweet and orange flavoured. Pure rather than complex at the moment but lots of spice on the finish and fine freshness despite the lightly oily finish. (JH)

The 2008 Suduiraut exudes superb minerality on the nose, with apricot, marmalade and quince. The palate is full of tension: beautifully botrytized fruit, the finish furnished with lemon zest, quince and marmalade that linger long and seductively. It seems to shimmer with potential and well drink young or old. This is an estate that has really got into its stride thanks to winemaker Pierre Montegut. Drink now-2045.

Christian Seely triumphed both in Pauillac and Sauternes in 2008. This Suduiraut displays immense intensity on the nose with clear honey, limestone and a touch of almond. Crystalline. The palate is medium-bodied, lovely texture, honeyed fruit, butter, mandarin, a touch of quince and almond. Cohesive right through to the long, seductive finish. This is a sophisticated, "confident" Sauternes that will cellar effortlessly.