Orange funk…in a good way. — 10 months ago
Horizontal tasting at home. Man U West Ham.
Sweet, honey nose. Deep orange. Medium body. Lively.
“Taking its name from the Slovenian word for "fences" the Skerk 2017 Ograde draws its fruit from hills that lie along the old Iron Curtain, roughly 230 meters in altitude. A blend of Vitovska, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, this is an outright orange wine that shines in the glass with copper and amber intensity. It delivers a unique bouquet with elements of candied fruit and caramel, alongside softer shadings of beeswax, apricot confit and even a distant touch of crushed stone, button mushroom and rosemary essence. In all, this hot-vintage rendition certainly shows a sweeter, voluptuous mouthfeel and phenolic padding that is extra rich. There is some dusty, tannic dryness on the close.” RP94, 2017 — 4 years ago
Paolo Bea dinner at Semo. All wines were prepared by opening and slow-ox, prior to service. Abbreviated notes due to the setting. The The 2020 Santa Chiara appears a deep orange color with notes of marmalade, apricot, flowers, and varnish (VA). The palate shows low+ tannin and decent acid. Tasty, complex stuff as usual. A lovely pairing with gougère of prosciutto, green olive and honey. Drink now through 2030-ish. Bottle No. 2814/5940 — 5 months ago
Delicious full flavored skin-contact orange trebbiano. Smoky, mineral-rich, apricot. — 10 months ago
The nose shows candied orange peel, lemon peel, apricot, honey. The palate is showing a great acid drive, superb matter on the side, even a tiny thickness on the sides, some orange and orange peel notes, a big bright apricot note, some honey and then tannins in the rear that leave a gentle drying layer over a long orange peel, apricot, honeyed finish that goes on for ever. There is a tiny bitter note that blossoms in the very end. Complexity, texture, fruit, matter. This packs it all. The initial barnyardy notes blew off after a short while. This is again great stuff ! — a year ago
2020. Light and sour and fun, peachy in color with slight grapefruitiness, not too sweet, acidity is well-balanced — 5 years ago
Château Suduiraut, 2023, Sauternes BDX, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Premier Cru Classé Sauternes delivering pure botrytis luxury blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Sauvignon Gris with remarkable tension and precision. Lush honeyed richness balanced by vibrant acidity and a beautifully layered texture that feels both decadent and weightless. Sensual, polished, and deeply expressive, this is a dessert wine that seduces rather than overwhelms.
Aromas & Flavors
Orange blossom, acacia honey, apricot confit, ripe peach, saffron, candied citrus peel, subtle vanilla bean, almond paste, and a whisper of ginger spice. Floral lift intertwines with botrytis-driven sweetness and fresh citrus brightness.
Mouthfeel
Silky, viscous, and coating without heaviness. Glycerol richness glides across the palate while acidity keeps the wine lifted, focused, and endlessly drinkable. Long, luxurious, and caressing finish.
Food Pairings
Foie gras torchon, blue cheese (Roquefort or Stilton), apricot tart, almond pastries, honey-drizzled chèvre, citrus-based desserts, or simply enjoyed solo as a contemplative finale.
Verdict
Sublime, sexy, and impeccably balanced. A masterclass in tension between sweetness and freshness, delivering pleasure, elegance, and emotional impact in equal measure. A benchmark nightcap wine.
Did You Know?
Château Suduiraut sits adjacent to Château d’Yquem and shares similar gravelly terroir and noble rot influence, often delivering First Growth-level finesse at a more approachable price point.
🍯 Personal Pick
This wine feels like a French kiss, seductive tension, velvet weight, and honeyed decadence wrapped in electric freshness. The viscosity caresses the palate while the acidity keeps everything irresistibly alive. — 5 months ago
Medium lemon , hints of gold , quite a healthy colour with fine pretty persistent bubbles still . This quite intense with candied lemon peel , brioche , oyster shells , touch of porcini . On the palate this is intense ,with good volume and vibrant acidity. Buttered brioche , oyster shell , candied orange and lemon peel . Really quite lovely and intense , long and toasted brioche , chalky finish . This is at peak now , but no rush from here over the next 5 perhaps 10 years . — 8 months ago
Yes it is a Rosé but i stand by my points/rating. Brought from Münchweier in my suitcase to the US. It was a gift. Very hard to find - the winery in Baden/Germany - really - forget - your maps! Right next to the woods of the black forest. Dark for a Rosé and age worthy. Excellent always but especially this vintage. Rhubarb, Strawberries, Quince, Peach (underripe), pomegranate, bitter orange. Tannins from the skins. Who knows were Florian found these old vine Pinot Grapes. Together with Mark Enfields Rosé the best in the world right now and I assume long sold out! — 10 months ago
Medium copper salmon colour , with wide slightly yellow tinged rim . Toasty notes , with some dried herbs , orange rind , candle wax , toasted almonds , sea breeze, in some ways quite similar to the white reserva. On the palate this is quite intense and grippy again , with a nutty , spiced orange rind , dried red fruit . Good balanced acidity , good volume and decent length . This is ready and drinking well now but will probably last well over the next 5 -8 years, though I don’t see it improving — a year ago
#sauternes so sweet and balanced. Third of three bottles for my wife’s 40th birthday. We saved the best for last, as it turns out. Honeyed layers as this gently warms in a Burgundy bowl - caramel, marzipan, toasted almonds, some petrol, apricot jam. Tastes exactly how it smells with the acidity taking a step back from the honey sweetness swirling around a luscious oily mouthfeel. Touch of orange pith bitterness on the finish - lovely wine. Indeed it pairs well with Indian food but the force of this wine could have easily matched even spicier dishes. Beautiful wine and what’s amazing is it seemed this wine could easily go another 20 years. Good Sauternes is ever youthful. — 5 years ago
Stuart Pollack
Orange goodness. Lovely orange flavor and well balanced sweetness. Good pairing with Indian spices. — 5 months ago