Suduiraut Sauternes 1997 375ml

96 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "Now into its third decade, and still clearly going strong, this has a rich golden hue which leads to a nose of polished character, with scents of toasted nuts, praline and caramel. The palate also carries this evolved richness, but there is a notable freshness and vigour to it still, with a complex array of praline, grilled orange slices, toast and black tea leaves on one side, with bright acidity, grip and energy on the other, a bright structure otherwise hidden beneath the rich substance and viscous weight of the wine. Grippy and cleansed in the finish, this is a nice combination of evolved flavour and balancing structure. Very good. Drink now, or savour it over the next few years. (Sep 2019)"

93 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Amber color, good development of fruit aromas toward mead, as well as some notes that are less attractive than we might wish. It has a velvety texture and great sweetness, but one might prefer the style of the 1998. Drink: 2011 up to 2017. (2011)"

92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 1997 Suduiraut has reached a really lovely plateau in its evolution and is drinking splendidly at age nineteen. The bouquet is deep, pure and shows lovely secondary layers of complexity in its mélange of honey, fresh apricot, oranges, crème brulée, soil tones and a gentle framing of buttery oak. With air distinctive notes of clove and marmalade blossomed as well on the nose. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and focused, with a fine core of fruit, lovely, zesty acidity and impressive length and grip on the à point finish. Just a lovely, classic vintage of Suduiraut that is just reaching its apogee, but which will continue to drink splendidly for at least a couple of decades. 2016-2040+. (Jan/Feb 2018)"

92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Nose shows pungent aromas of fruit salad, flowers, coconut and oak spices, and a honeyed ripeness. Supersweet, highly concentrated and strong in extract, given clarity by fresh acids. Racy botrytis tones of honey and licorice. Finishes firm, long and complex. (Jul 2000)"