Grand Vin Blanc Sec "Vieilles Vignes" 2022

This plump white offers lively energy encased in a mix of persimmon, white peach, lemon curd and brioche notes, which are offset nicely by a subtle zing of quinine. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2026. 800 cases made.

Sweet, juicy lemons, white peach, spice, mango, and honeysuckle on the nose get the wine started. But it is on the palate, with its sweet citrus, orange pith, and a touch of honey, where the wine shows its best. The wine blends 55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2025-2035.

I loved the 2022 Château Suduiraut Vieilles Vignes, a gorgeously complex, mineral-laced white that has classic pear and stone fruits, medium to full body, a pure, balanced, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, good concentration, and a great finish.

Coming from old vines between 45 and 60 years old that are likely to have resisted the heat of the vintage better, this has both complexity and depth of flavour, with juicy white pear, saffron and mandarin zest. Still a richer expression than in fresher years like 2021, but plenty to enjoy, with oyster shell salinity on the finish. 30% in new barrels, 70% from barrels of one vintage.

This is 55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc, the élevage was nine months in barrel, with 20% new oak used. No malolactic fermentation in this vintage. The expression on the nose is a delight, the softening impact of the Sauvignon Blanc on the restrained Semillon aromatics clearly helping, with lemon peel, meringue, mineral and white pepper notes. The palate is surprisingly soft and plump given the energy seen on the nose, starting tense but then relaxing into a broad-shouldered middle which presents a lightly creamed substance which reflects the vintage I suppose. Good grip, but a decent acid profile, so give this one a few years to integrate and come out of its shell. The alcohol on the label is 13.5%.

A bouquet marked by freshness and intensity, with clear notes of grapefruit and limes complemented by a hint of confectionery. Saline and juicy on the attack, the wine is fine, linear, and supported by a structure that maintains freshness alongside a noble bitterness that prolongs the pleasure. A sapid wine with a saline, mouthwatering finish.

The nose is generous and rounded, with plenty of fruit. It reveals notes of fleshy flat peach, crushed apple and, more subtly, Spanish lime, alongside delicate hints of fleshy/juicy kumquat and a touch of ripe mandarin. The palate is fruity, fresh and mineral, with a certain richness carried by freshness and minerality—racy, nicely precise, with an elegant gravelly edge. It expresses notes of fleshy flat peach, lychee and, more subtly, fresh Spanish lime, combined with touches of kumquat, as well as a discreet hint of fleshy small yellow fruits and a subtle toasty note. A lovely buttery touch. Good length. A fine, rich, fleshy, saline/iodine-tinged persistence.

Orange, grapefruit, lemon rind, flint. Broad and wide on the palate with a lovely weight. It’s serious, not super tangy, more filling and wide, with a bitter orange tang and peach, pear and apple fruit. Rich and gourmet but clean and clear, with hints of bright acidity and juiciness that accent the quite thick texture. Calm and controlled. Textured, sleek, and clean, well defined, punchy and sharp. Great potential. 3.1 total acidity. Aged nine months, 30% new French oak barrels, 70% one wine.