1986 Suduiraut
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Tasting notes
The 1986 Suduiraut ought to be a stellar wine. If only that was the case. It has a simple bouquet compared to the likes of Yquem or Climens: much more malic than one would expect with grass clipping notes suggesting some under-ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasing vivacious entry, underpinned by a taut line of acidity, notes of pear and ginger, though it seems to tail off towards the finish. Tasted at a private dinner in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
I would have expected Suduiraut to be outstanding in 1986, but it is not. It is very good, but this wine should have been a classic. Plump, rich, honeyed, pineapple, coconut, and buttery fruit flavors abound in this full-bodied, rich wine that falls just short of being profound. It is muscular and rich, but it is missing an element of complexity that I found in many other 1986s. Also, is it possible that the 1986 Suduiraut has less botrytis than the other top examples from this vintage? Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 3/90.
I would have expected Suduiraut to be outstanding in 1986, but it is not. It is very good, but this wine should have been a classic. Plump, rich, honeyed, pineapple, coconut, and buttery fruit flavors abound in this full-bodied, rich wine that falls just short of being profound. It is muscular and rich, but it is missing an element of complexity that I found in many other 1986s. Also, is it possible that the 1986 Suduiraut has less botrytis than the other top examples from this vintage? Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 3/90. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Among the very best Sauternes estates, Ch. Suduiraut is owned by AXA Millésimes, which also manages Pichon Baron. The team works meticulously to select the finest fruit from its 91 hectares of vines, bordering Yquem. The resulting wines are intensely concentrated, balanced, complex and age-worthy.