Lions de Suduirat, Sauternes 2009, France
The great Chateau of Suduiraut is one of the superstars of the Sauternes appellation, famous for Botrytis-affected sweet wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. But this is a brand new product from Suduiraut that breaks the mould to present a wine that is still lusciously sweet from noble rot, but which thanks to selection of parcels of grapes from certain terroirs, has a crisper, livlier personality which Suduiraut hopes will make it more flexible for drinking with a variety of foods and situations, and appeal to a new Sauternes drinker. The nose is classic Sauternes with honey and glycerine, and beautiful barley sugar and fig, with fresh apricots too. On the palate it is absolutely delicious: it has weight and viscous texture, real sweetness but a lightness and finesse that finishes with dazzling agility. Food matching info and more background to this fascinating wine in the video. £14.99, Avery’s.