Address: 33210 Sauternes

Telephone: +33 (0)5 56 76 61 01

E-mail: xplanty@chateauguiraud.com

Website: www.chateauguiraud.com

Château Guiraud was classified Premier Cru in 1855, this is usually a deep gold Sauternes often quite forward in style but which is full bodied and does also age well. I’ve great recollections of the 1983 tasted several times in the late 1980s which was attractive to drink even then. Prices have remained the same, or possibly are less, in real terms here so Guiraud remains a very good buy. This is a large estate, 85 hectares in a single block, with a relatively large production volume [100,000 bottles on average] compared to other properties. Second wine is Petit Guiraud. The property is now owned by a group which includes Xavier Planty, Olivier Bernard, Stephan von Neipperg]. The vineyard is certified organic.

Vineyard/Terrior: 85 hectares in a single block planted on gravel with a clay sub soil in the heart of Sauternes. Vineyard comprises 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemaking/Elevage: Fermented and aged in barrel for between 18-24 months. 100% new oak.

Tasting notes:

• 2013 Deepish gold [deepest of the lot]; peaches and creamy tones with crème brulee highlights; broad and full on the palate; nice attack and creamy mouthfeel with zip and freshness; creamy finish. Very good in a fuller and more upfront style. [65% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc]. Tasted 1/4/14. Drink 2017-2028. 90-92+
• 2011 Steely green gold; fresher with more citrus and spicy ginger tones; beeswax too; elegance to the palate with very good length. Drink now-2026. Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB. 91 [Earlier note] Brilliant pale gold; lots of honey and orange; pretty unctuous; thick; full and thick on the palate; this is the best Guiraud I’ve had in a while; big and thick; lots of creamy mouthfeel. Very powerful and very sweet. Tasted April ’12 UGCB. 93-95+
• 2010 Pale gold; more depth; some peach and apricot tones; thick, ripe palate, dense and some apricot fruit; spice and honey; powerful wine with sweetness but some balancing acid. Depth here. Tasted Oct ’12 at UGCB. 92+[Earlier note] Palest gold; wax, butter, some freshness and honey; sweet and unctuous on the palate but also with race; a little more elegant than the Rieussec. Very good mouthfeel. Excellent 90-92+/100 Tasted 5 April 2011 UGC.
• 2009 Fresh, slightly grassy note; full bodied palate; broad but very good. Lacks the zip of Rabaud-Promis and Rieussec but should be very good 90-92/100 March ‘10
• 2008 Deeper gold; some butterscotch notes; firmer and stronger and also sweeter style than Climens say. Typically more evolved as is the style here. Tasted Nov ’12 at MW Institute. 89+
• 2007 Gold; cream, freshness with some citrus tones and honey notes; grapefruit and zesty note son palate; lighter style but with nice zap and acidity. Tasted June ’13 at Mouton 1855 dinner Vinexpo. 90+[Earlier note] Gold; some nutty tones, lift and butterscotch; thick palate with lots of sweetness and body; some zip at the end. Tasted Nov ’11 at MW Institute. 90/100
• 1990 – deep gold; almost brown; nose initially a whiff of VA and lots of development but opened out; crème brulee organges and demerar sugar. Nice wine; but bit loose and fat with not much botrytis. Bit disappointing given the estate. 88/100 Apr 06