2004 Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classe 750 ml

Château Suduiraut is one of the best deals in Sauternes—and that makes it one of the best deals in the world of collectible wine.

Here’s why we can make that bold statement: Premier Cru Supérieur Château d’Yquem sits alone atop the Sauternes ladder, and a full-size bottle of their 2004, if you can find one that’s been patiently cellared at the château, will run you upwards of $420—but a full bottle of the Suduiraut from the same vintage comes in at a shocking 80% less. 

The 2004 Suduiraut—grown a stone’s throw away from Yquem—earned 94 points from Enthusiast, coming in as the second-best Sauternes of the vintage, behind only the 95-point Yquem, and also topped Wine & Spirits’ ratings with 95 points. 

Suduiraut ages like a dream, and we’d have to rack our brains to think of a bottle that can add so much value to your cellar, whether you give it another two decades or enjoy it in the near term. It’s a wine that more than lives up to its Premier Grand Cru pedigree. 

Situated in the village of Preignac, Suduiraut shares a border with Yquem’s vineyards and possesses the same incredible diversity of soils and parcels, ranging from sandy-gravel to clay. In the 2004 growing season, Suduiraut made several passes through the vines from September 29th through November 4th to ensure each parcel got harvested at the peak of perfection. Vinification of the 95% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc grapes is performed classically, in barrels—50% new and 50% once-used—and under careful temperature control.

Only a few wines in the world can match this level of cellarworthiness. Enjoy this one now or years in the future!