It’s hard to find fully shed classic Viura (white Rioja) anymore but old-school Lopez de Heredia clings to tradition. This wine, nearly 10 years old on release, is fascinating - aged to the point of considerable oxidation yet it retains its fruit ands acidity. Bruised apple, ripe pear, golden raisin, orange peel, flint, wet stones, and hay happily coexist with hazelnut, dried orange peel, coconut, baking spices ands more. The medium acidity is a firm foundation to a richly textured wine, Long finish too! — 8 months ago
Solid and definitely needed the aerator but aging well. Will be excellent in a few years. Deep and earthy. Lots of dark fruit. — 5 years ago
Starting the long Labor Day weekend in Big Sur the right way with a little N/V Krug Grande Cuvée. @Nepenthe
Happy Labor Day weekend all! 🍾🥂
Noses reveals; heavy bruised red apple, Bosc pear, overripe pineapple, lemon meringue, tropical melons, lime zest, white spice, sea fossils, deep crisp chalkiness, grey volcanics, yeast & bread dough, nougat, baguette crust, limestone, caramel notes, cream, vanillin framed in yellow lilies, white & spring flowers & mixed greens.
The palate is, ripe, lush, fresh and lively. The mouthfeel all Krug beautiful. Bruised red & golden apple with hints of cider, Bosc pear, overripe pineapple, lemon meringue, tropical melons, white stone fruits, lime zest/candy, white spice, sea fossils, crisp chalkiness, grey volcanics, yeast & bread dough, nougat, baguette crust, limestone, caramel notes, cream, cream soda, vanillin framed in yellow lilies, spring flowers & mixed greens. The acidity is near perfect. The long, elegant, well knitted & balanced finish is gentle until the long set when you get a full presence of white spice and minerality that persists for minutes.
This bottle was composed around 2011 and is made from over 120 different wines that span over 10 years. It is 47% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay & 17% Pinot Meunier. — 6 years ago
2015 Excellent, excellent!
Noah brought back from a trip. — 6 years ago
Deep and earthy. Drinking ok but could still use more time. — 4 years ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Celebrating our wedding anniversary, with a Vintage Champagne from the same year.
Light yellow in color with a golden hue.
Strong nose of bread, spices, earth, wet leaves, herbs, yeast, white pepper, lemons, yellow apples and river rocks.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity and soft, small bubbles.
Dry on the palate with light citrus, over ripen apples, spices, yeast, bread, river rocks, herbs and white pepper.
Short finish with limes.
This 28 year old Champagne is still delicious, although probably on its last leg.
Showing great complexity with a nice mouthfeel. Soft and elegant.
Not much fruit is left, but enough to make it tangy and interesting.
Thank you Judy for sharing this with us.
Good by itself or with food. I paired it with caviar and good friends. Very tasty, especially with the caviar.
12% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$550. — 5 years ago
East Hampton from Wainscott wines 8-5-20. Really good — 6 years ago
Drinking really nice! Sad to see the last bottle go especially knowing this was a one year vintage. Would get again if available. — 6 years ago
Very fruity light cab. Love it! P38 — 6 years ago
Château Suduiraut – Sémillon 2003 (Sauternes)
Graves, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
Crafted primarily from Sémillon, Château Suduiraut is one of Sauternes’ premier estates, producing wines shaped by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The warm 2003 vintage gave concentration and richness, while time in bottle has deepened its complexity. (Educational note: Sémillon’s thick skins make it particularly susceptible to botrytis, producing the honeyed intensity Sauternes is famous for.)
Aromas & Flavors
Opulent notes of dried apricot, candied orange peel, and golden raisin layered with honey, saffron, and caramelized pineapple. Secondary tones of almond, vanilla, and beeswax show the maturity of two decades.
Mouthfeel
Lusciously full-bodied, with velvety sweetness cut by balanced acidity. The palate is rich and textured, gliding into a lingering finish of dried fruit, spice, and honeyed depth.
Food Pairings
A classic match with foie gras or blue cheese. Also pairs beautifully with fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or even spicy Asian dishes for contrast.
Verdict
A magnificent aged Sauternes — decadent yet balanced, carrying the warmth of 2003 with elegance. Honeyed, textural, and endlessly layered, this is a benchmark for botrytised sweet wines. 🍯🍷cheers!
Did You Know?
Sémillon makes up the majority of Sauternes blends, often complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Its thick skin and natural waxiness make it ideal for noble rot, creating the world’s most legendary dessert wines.
Collector’s Rarity 📌
Château Suduiraut, a Premier Cru Classé estate from the 1855 classification, produces limited amounts of Sauternes each year — with older vintages like 2003 increasingly rare treasures in the market. — 8 months ago
Nose: dusty. Cedar. Light leather. Boysenberry, cherries. Plum. Pencil shavings. Taste: rich plum, Smokey oak, cedar, dark chocolate, coffee finish. Some herbaceous notes. Cherry. Smooth but rich. Med+ body, medium acid and tannin, dry. Me likey. — 5 years ago
Really incredible wine. Not paired with any food, the wine is flavorful, quenching w/ oak flavor adding the right dryness and notes of plum & vanilla to finish - really well balanced and opened well. Bottled was empty far too quickly : ) — 5 years ago
Fruity Golden Ale — 6 years ago
Bordeaux style balanced beautifully. — 6 years ago
Good staple. 2014 is drinking well. A little heavier. Maybe zin or Syrah like and heavy cab. — 6 years ago
A stunner. Opened with that rustic cab smell. Not sure what lies beneath that initial nose. And then just pure explosive goodness in the glass. Black fruit, swirling with brown fruit in every sip. Lingering finish made for a wonderful moment or two. — 7 years ago
John Jaye
Excellent drink. Needs to be decanted even at 25 years old. Drink now — 5 months ago