Jay Kline

9.4

My previous bottle of the 2014 Montecillo was enjoyed back in January of 2021. That bottle, as my previous notes indicated, exhibited quite a bit of volatile acidity. This bottle did not seem to have much VA at all. In fact, this showed well right from the moment the cork was pulled.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a game of 10 point pitch. The 2014 Montecillo pours a garnet/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous, lifted notes of cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, Anaheim peppers, Herbs de Provence, eucalyptus and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long a with spices and minerals. Really tasty and distinctive stuff. I’m in no rush to openly third and final bottle. Drink now with patience, through 2039. — 20 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Suduiraut – Sémillon 2003 (Sauternes)
Graves, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Crafted primarily from Sémillon, Château Suduiraut is one of Sauternes’ premier estates, producing wines shaped by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The warm 2003 vintage gave concentration and richness, while time in bottle has deepened its complexity. (Educational note: Sémillon’s thick skins make it particularly susceptible to botrytis, producing the honeyed intensity Sauternes is famous for.)

Aromas & Flavors
Opulent notes of dried apricot, candied orange peel, and golden raisin layered with honey, saffron, and caramelized pineapple. Secondary tones of almond, vanilla, and beeswax show the maturity of two decades.

Mouthfeel
Lusciously full-bodied, with velvety sweetness cut by balanced acidity. The palate is rich and textured, gliding into a lingering finish of dried fruit, spice, and honeyed depth.

Food Pairings
A classic match with foie gras or blue cheese. Also pairs beautifully with fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or even spicy Asian dishes for contrast.

Verdict
A magnificent aged Sauternes — decadent yet balanced, carrying the warmth of 2003 with elegance. Honeyed, textural, and endlessly layered, this is a benchmark for botrytised sweet wines. 🍯🍷cheers!

Did You Know?
Sémillon makes up the majority of Sauternes blends, often complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Its thick skin and natural waxiness make it ideal for noble rot, creating the world’s most legendary dessert wines.

Collector’s Rarity 📌
Château Suduiraut, a Premier Cru Classé estate from the 1855 classification, produces limited amounts of Sauternes each year — with older vintages like 2003 increasingly rare treasures in the market. — a month ago

Mark Mannebach

9.3

Bright cherry and blueberry up front. Long smooth finish with a little spice — 5 days ago

Ken Venezio

8.9

A bit dusty in the nose but it opens with cherries, blackberries and a touch of dark cocoa. Nice balance between florals and spice. Tannins are silky and it has a full finish. I'd say medium body but very good value. — 2 months ago

Paul J

9.8

This was awesome! Lovely darkish gold color. Aged apples to start then popcorn and subtle butter with more air. Very deep, thick wine. Well balanced and refined. — 3 months ago

with Brooke and Steve

Mary H

9.5

I’m an addict, what can I say? Full mouthful of bright fruit flavor, golden tropical fruit, honey, singing acidity and long finish. — 5 months ago

Conrad Green

9.3

From mag. Golden in color. Soft bubbles. Dried apricots, hazelnut, toast. Very secondary and soulful. Drink up — 18 days ago

with David, Bex and 1 other

Lyn Farmer

9.4

It’s hard to find fully shed classic Viura (white Rioja) anymore but old-school Lopez de Heredia clings to tradition. This wine, nearly 10 years old on release, is fascinating - aged to the point of considerable oxidation yet it retains its fruit ands acidity. Bruised apple, ripe pear, golden raisin, orange peel, flint, wet stones, and hay happily coexist with hazelnut, dried orange peel, coconut, baking spices ands more. The medium acidity is a firm foundation to a richly textured wine, Long finish too! — 2 months ago

Nicole Killin

9.0

Nice for the price! — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Opened prior to dinner and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2011 pours a bright gold color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart orchard fruit: bruised Golden Delicious apple, lemon drop, marmalade, white flowers, a whiff of clove, Marcona almonds, lanolin and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is wooly. Weeeeeee!!! A special bottle that’s drinking so well at the moment. Drink now with patience through 2036. — 5 months ago