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! — 3 months ago
Balanced, mild tannins and some fruit. — 14 days ago
#KosherWineSunday
Inky in color with a short reddish rim.
Fruity nose of blue and black fruits with mediterranean spices, light cedar, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, light earth and black pepper.
Full-bodied and elegant with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry and fruit forward on the palate with black currants, black plums, blackberries, cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, light earth, chocolates, coffee and peppercorn.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.
This 6 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Israel is drinking wonderfully now. Rich and elegant. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Nicely balanced and soft.
Good right out of the bottle and better after 2 hours of airtime.
Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 10 years.
Complex and engaging. Tangy and spicy.
Interesting, and good by itself as a sipping wine.
Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Kosher.
14.5% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$50. — 2 months 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. — 3 months ago
Scott E. Becker
[Tasted on December 13, 2025 at Home]
Raspberry, cranberry, earth and spice. Burgundian style. Good QPR. Wine is #47 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2024. — 7 days ago