WTN: Ch. Suduiraut Creme de Tete 1989

One of the most extraordinary lavish, opulent and decadent sweet white’s I’ve opened, this tour de force of late-picked semillon/sauvignon blanc delivers an unbelievably deep orange gold colour, drizzling legs down the side of the glass after vigorous swirling, an immaculate but fully blown bouquet of honeyed peaches, paw paw, apricots, marzipan and orange marmalade with vanilla, botrytis, spice box and that very special Sauternes new oak note playing major supporting roles. The palate revels in similarly unctious decadence with knock-out flavours, incredible concentration, a fat texture but somehow resolves almost perfectly on an impossibly smooth rounded, low acid finish. How long this will last is not an easy task, but if you’re a sucker for mammoth, rich dessert wines, this is right up your alley. 95 points. I’m gobsmacked!

Thanks for the note, David. I had not heard of a Chateau Suduiraut Creme de Tete before. Is this a designation they produce every year or a rarity?

Thanks for the note, David. I had not heard of a Chateau Suduiraut Creme de Tete before. Is this a designation they produce every year or a rarity?

A very occasional release, JC. I've heard of a 1982 version but they're the only two vintages I know about.

I never heard of it either. Why do you think they do this? Do any of the other top chateau do this?

I never heard of it either. Why do you think they do this? Do any of the other top chateau do this?

Coutet do a prestige label called Cuvee Madame and late Iast year I had the great pleasure of trying the 1986 vintage. A truly magnificent wine but almost diametric in style to the Suduiraut.

I guess it just feels weird to me that a First Growth (Premier Cru) has a luxury cuvee.

That's analogous to Mouton, Haut Brion or Margaux having a luxury cuvee, correct?

I guess it just feels weird to me that a First Growth (Premier Cru) has a luxury cuvee.

That's analogous to Mouton, Haut Brion or Margaux having a luxury cuvee, correct?

Yes. I suppose with the "delicate", or perhaps, more fittingly, "fickle" nature of the Sauternes climate, it's understandable a few Chateaux decide to do something special when the right conditions prevail. I believe Coutet have produced their luxury cuvee sporadically since 1943.

Hi David -

Thank you for the interesting note. I had a chance to try this wine a few years ago, and your description hits it perfectly. My impression is that Suduiraut hasn't made a Creme de Tete since AXA bought the estate, and thus 1989 was the last vintage of this cuvee. Anyway, glad you enjoyed it.