1970 Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes | 🇫🇷 | To commemorate my Knicks first chip!

The oldest wine I’ve consumed to date! I have two of these in my collection, waiting for the right moment to open them – and tonight, game 1 of my beloved Knicks return to the NBA finals, was that moment. To celebrate their first championship and manifest a game 1 win! No background from me tonight, too excited – but 50+ year old Sauternes from my favorite producer?! Stored at 55, popped and poured. Cork came out surprisingly intact using an Ah-so, albeit very carefully. Figured I’d include pictures of it for the curious!

Visually, a deep amber, caramel.

On the nose – at opening and at first whiff – strong smell of figs, some bruised apple, a bit of oxidation – expected given the age, but it started opening up shortly thereafter! All tertiary and botrytis notes here, no fruit left – caramel, dulce de leche, honey, burnt sugar – baking spices and pie crust. A pastry shop, flan, some toast. The oxidative notes went to the background and stayed there. It’s all desserts, my friends!

On the palate, I was surprised by how much acidity still remained. Still zinged the tongue, incredible! Labeled as 15% (excuse me?) but utterly imperceptible at this point. Very sweet still, but that acidity balances the ol girl just wonderfully. Not too cloying, either, surprisingly spry on the tongue – in my vintage wine book, 1970 is labeled a good vintage, and certainly notable in the longevity of this wine! The finish, of course, is still eternal. Despite the flavors being all nuttiness and baked goods at this point, it’s a great experience of a 56 year old harvest!

Very happy I opened this tonight. His brother I’ll save to open with company to share this experience with. My Sauternes preference is that perfect balance between primary and tertiary components (most recently with a 1988 Lafaurie Peyraguey) – but this experience is still extraordinary.

LETS GO KNICKS!

PS – I’ve attached pictures from my vintage book of this wine, reviewed and tasted in 1978. Fascinating to compare my notes with his to see how the wine has evolved!