1997 Chateau Suduiraut
By Chateau Suduiraut
1997 Chateau Suduiraut from Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The esteemed sweet wines of Sauternes are revered for their luscious viscosity and complex flavour profiles, and the 1997 vintage of the Chateau Suduiraut from Chateau Suduiraut is a testament to this noble tradition. As an acclaimed treasure among connoisseurs, it captures the decade's finesse, gloriously manifesting the virtues of a favourable season with a precise expression of botrytized sophistication.
The Rarity of Botrytis: A 1997 Distinction
The siren call of the 1997 vintage comes largely from its distinctive botrytization, also known as noble rot. This phenomenon has awarded the wine that coveted balance between sweetness and acidity, leading to an investment-worthy pour. Astute collectors will appreciate the finesse with which this particular vintage distils its climatic narrative—a brilliant Sauternes revelation.
Essence of Vintage: Mesmerizing Fragrance and Palate
In 1997, nature orchestrated an impeccable symphony of mild spring weather followed by a summer that danced precariously between heat and humidity. The result? Grapes that met their perfect maturation under the benevolent watch of miraculous noble rot. The honey-like texture of the wine speaks to this providence, while notes of candied apricot, almond, and a whisper of ginger blossom unfurl beneath the olfactory senses before submitting to an elegantly enduring finish.
Investors poised to enrich their cellars with bottles of 1997 Chateau Suduiraut can expect a poised maturity having reached its plateau but promising further complexity should the patience to cellar be given credence.
Enigmatic Alchemy: Investment Potential
The magic imbued within this 1997 amber elixir is not merely in the glass—it extends to its potential in investment. As perceptive enthusiasts seek out singular experiences from Bordeaux’s mosaic of vintages, the 1997 Chateau Suduiraut emerges as a shrewd acquisition. With each swirl, it tells a story; with each sip, it confers upon the investor both pleasure and promise—an auspicious duet in the world of fine wine.
In sum, aligning oneself with the 1997 Chateau Suduiraut from Chateau Suduiraut equates to embracing a slice of Sauternes’ storied legacy—one that maintains its alchemic aura in both tangible taste and intangible anticipation for what future palates will discern.
Market price (USD)
$630.00
12x75cl
Highest score
88
POP score
65
Scores and tasting notes
The 1997 Suduiraut reveals surprisingly crisp acidity for its weight, as well as excellent richness. An intense, weighty, moderately sweet feel in the mouth, with copious quantities of buttery, honeyed fruit, impressive power, and a corpulent style, characterize this well-delineated wine. It should develop more complexity, and may merit an outstanding score after bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2022. (No tasting note was provided in Issue 128. We have instead included the text of the tasting note from Issue 122)
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 20 April 2000