1983 Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes
Château Suduiraut is located in Sauternes, Bordeaux, and is known for its sweet wines made predominantly from Semillon. In 1855 it was classified as Premier Cru as part of the 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac. Today, the vineyards are planted mostly with Semillon, alongside small plots of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris.
The estate has over 90 hectares (222 acres) under vine, on gravelly, sandy soils near the banks of the Gironde, which helps with the development of botrytis. Harvest is staggered to make sure all the bunches are at their optimum when picked, and only the best botrytis-affected grapes make it into Château Suduiraut.
The grand vin is aged on its lees in 50 percent new French oak for up to 24 months. This process is controlled barrel-by-barrel to allow for an easier distinction between the top wine and the wines that will become the second and third wines of the estate. The second wine, Castelnau de Suduiraut, is made from grapes that are expressive earlier in the season, and the wine itself is approachable in its youth. In 2011, Château Suduiraut made a third wine, Lions de Suduiraut.
