With a lengthy history comes a list of accomplishments and triumphs. Such is the case for Chateau Suduiraut, which dates to the seventeenth century. Not only did Chateau Suduiraut achieve First Growth status in the 1855 classification of Sauternes and Barsac, its management pioneered the practice of grafting vines onto American rootstock to thwart the scourge of Phylloxera. For this, credit goes to Emile Petit de Forest, who owned and oversaw the Suduiraut at the end of the nineteenth century.

Of course, a lengthy history usually implies some downs to go with the ups as well, and Suduiraut is no exception. In the first half of the 20th century, a period of neglect ensued. The estate was then rescued by Léopold Fonquernie in 1940, and again, shall we say, in 1992, by the insurance company AXA Millesimes. Under AXA, Chateau Suduiraut has soared to new heights. The key? Christian Seely's watchful eye. Today, at its best, Suduiraut produces a deeply colored, honeyed wine of great richness and complexity. The 92 hectare vineyard is planted to 90% Semillon, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc between the communes of Sauternes and Preignac. In addition to the Grand Vin, Rieussec also produces a few other wines of note: a dry white, S de Suduiraut, and the estates second wine, Castelnau de Suduiraut.