TN: 09 Lions de Suduiraut [Sauternes]

[AKR]

09 Lions de Suduiraut [Sauternes] Label is quite pretty, with embossed lions. 14% abv. My first experience with this second wine, as well as anything from the 09 sweet Bordeaux. Color is a pale yellow, some particulates already. Medium bodied. I get some pepper, lemon, and spice on the nose. Maybe some honey glazed ham too. Nice palate of 20 seconds, but mostly a one note kind of flavor. Like a dish seasoned with just one herb. Doesn't have the length or acidity I think to age as well as other estates, but it's good drinking today, perhaps another 5 years at the same place. Probably better in its youthful joy. Very tough call on whether one should look for things like this -- which are quite good value -- or for just about the same money go for the grand vin somewhere else. It's a bit fuller than what I recall young "smaller" sticky bdx being. I remember buying a case of splits of some smaller unknown to me estates from the 89 and 90 vintages -- and they were good -- but their limited complexity became more obvious over the years. I think this will eventually have that happen to it -- when the youthful brightness wears off it won't be replaced by an amazing palate of flavors others develop over the years. I'm generous to Sauternes and this gets a B+ in my ledger.

JJ Buckley has quite a bit of this in stock, in both splits and regular formats, and its very good value. I'm mulling reloading on a few more, although my favorites are really Coutet, Climens, and Rieussec.

[Roel]

Nice note. Imho, 2nd wines from Sauternes and Barsac are best drunk young. Then they are at their best. Complexity and seriousness is for the Grand Vins.

[AlexR]

Once again, Arv, you show us your very eclectic taste.

Glad to see this 2nd wine showed well.

I am fond of les Carmes de Rieussec too.

Alex

[AKR]

I will look for some Carmes de Rieussec. It's been on my list of things to try.

btw, for those who like de Fargues - B21 in Florida has 750 mls of the 2005 for $72.

They've also got a few other wines from the region at fair enough prices

I've had mild shipping issues with them but might try them again this fall.

I don't think they let one accumulate orders though.