TOP NEW ZEALAND & INTERNATIONAL SWEET WINE

Castelnau de Suduiraut 2012 (France) - 8 $29 ★★★★★

SAUTERNES COMES from Sauternes, Bordeaux and is made with a combination of sauvignon, sémillon and muscadelle grapes that have been infected with botrytis cinerea aka botrytis or noble rot. Botrytis is a beneficial fungus which dehydrates the grape causing it to raisin, leaving small, intensely sweet berries which result in a rich and luscious wine.

This 2012 Castelnau de Suduiraut sauternes is the second tier wine from Château Suduiraut, an estate planted in the 18th century. The estate was classified as Premier Cru during the Bordeaux wine official classification of 1885.

The location of Château Suduiraut is important. It’s proximity to both the Ciron and Garonne rivers means that the area has cool nights and morning mists in autumn, followed by long warm sunny days providing the perfect conditions for noble rot to thrive.

The grapes are handpicked, with singular berries that have achieved the correct stage of over-ripeness, rather than whole bunches picked at a time. This means harvesting of the grapes is a laborious task that is staggered over five different picks between September and November.

The end result of all that hard work is definitely one to be celebrated and the blend changes from vintage to vintage. This 2012 vintage is 95% sémillon and 5% sauvignon blanc with aromas of candied yellow fruit, limes, quince, frangipani and hints of spice on its layered and generous nose. The rich and luscious palate boasts caramel and butterscotch with just a hint of minerality against it’s incredible acid spine. Delicious and beguiling. (A)

2 / Saving Grace Noble Riesling 2020 (Waipara) ★★★★★ - 9 $28

Vibrant honeyed citrus blossom, limes and a hint of apricot present on the nose along with a delightfully musky marmalade character. The palate delivers superb balance with both clean and engaging late harvest fruit and a hint of botrytis coupled with the all-important acid, which is both steely and refined here. A very smart example.

3 / Mt Difficulty Long Gully Late Harvest Riesling 2016 (Central Otago)

★★★★★ - 11 $27

While still fresh, this wine also has wonderful characteristics from its development to date. Aromas of salted limes and burnt lemon pith on the nose are lively and bright, balanced on the palate with caramel and toffee. Fantastic acid provides structure with a surprisingly dry and refreshing finish.

Peregrine Charcoal Creek Riesling 2016 (Central Otago)

★★★★ - 2 $35

Saint Clair Reserve Noble 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 6 $33.90

Seifried Winemakers Collection Nelson ‘Sweet Agnes’ Riesling 2019

★★★★ - 8 $29

DISTRIBUTOR

(A) Glengarry Wines – glengarrywines.co.nz

Those wines offering an outstanding mix of quality and price are awarded Best Buy status. Price points differ, depending on the varietal, but if you see the Best Buy sticker you can rest assured you’re getting a great wine at an excellent price. Look out for the sticker on wine bottles at all good wine retailers.

TASTING PANEL

The judges that tasted the Champagne also tasted the sweet wines.