Suduiraut Sauternes 2001 375ml

98 points Robert Parker: “A prodigious effort, possibly the finest Suduiraut since 1959, the medium gold-colored 2001 offers notes of creme brulee, caramelized citrus, Grand Marnier, honeysuckle, and other exotic fruits as well as a pleasant touch of oak. With terrific acidity, a voluptuous/unctuous palate, and sweet, powerful flavors buttressed by crisp acidity, it is a phenomenal Sauternes. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040. (Jun 2004)”

98 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): “A really confident appearance here, youthful, a shimmering and polished golden hue, with barely a hint of any age. The nose is wonderfully expressive, with the scents of grilled orange slices, praline and toasted nuts, with plenty of bright citrus fruit freshness set against a toasty backdrop, and a slightly high-toned edge lending it lift. This character is matched by the palate, slightly high-toned like the nose, but the most significant feature is the gloriously polished substance, cool and finely grained. It feels burnished, plush, sinewy and warm, rolling in a confident fashion through the middle and into the finish. A glorious wine, polished and supple, broad but bright with a fresh acid backbone. Superb. No rush to drink here. (Sep 2019)”

96 points Bettane & Desseauve’s Guide to the Wines of France: “Eye-catching bright golden -yelow color. Well constructed, with exceptional balance between richness and freshness and a noble and complex finish. A very beautiful 2000. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)”

95 points Jane Anson (Decanter): “This has rich caramelised nectarine and apricot fruits, a sense of uplift and steel through the core. It is sweet in its texture but not in its expression, and there is such a lift through the finish that you feel confident it has a long life ahead. On the more savoury spectrum of fruit, white pear dipped in saffron and cardamom. Yet again when you come back after 20 minutes it is the dried apricots that take the lead. Good quality, concentrated and pointed. 150g/l residual sugar. 40% new oak. Drinking Window: 2021-2040. (Jan 2021)”

95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): “Medium yellow-gold. Flamboyantly ripe, complex nose combines pineapple, apricot, toffee, clove and vanilla. Hugely sweet and rich, with deep, powerful flavors of honey, marzipan and toffee. A major mouthful of wine, with great lingering sweetness. Today, this makes the Rieussec seem almost polite by comparison. (Jul/Aug 2004)”

19/20 points La Revue du Vin de France: “Biggest accomplishment of the vintage. Lots of finesse and elegance, with aromas of fresh fruit, lightly exotic, and without any premature evolution. Generous in the mouth, fat, and sweet, it keep its freshness and airy lightness. (Jan 2011)”

19/20 points Margaret Rand (The World of Fine Wine): “(14%) Very concentrated, intense, burned, and slightly hot. A very intense wine–one for sipping rather than for drinking. Rich and enormous and very powerful. Very, very good, though its size slightly masks how good it is; perhaps it will need another 10-15 years to really show its quality. (Issue 34; 2011)”