About the Wine

Sauternes is the iconic sweet wine of Bordeaux. This region is a paradise for lovers of sweetness, finesse, and elegant wines. It's not easy to find a good value Sauternes, (wines from this region can fetch up to $1,000 a bottle or more,) but when we do, we're thrilled to share them with you!

Nestled amidst the picturesque Sauternes wine region, where gravel, sand, and clay intermingle harmoniously, lies the esteemed Château Guiraud. With a history steeped in tradition and innovation, this Château has stood as a beacon of excellence since its acquisition by the Guiraud family in 1766. Despite the political and religious divides of its time, Château Guiraud proudly flourished, crafting wines of distinction under its iconic black and gold label.

Under the visionary leadership of Sandrine Garbay, Château Guiraud has embraced a philosophy deeply rooted in sustainability and biodiversity. Recognized as a pioneer in organic viticulture and awarded the prestigious Terres de Natures label, the estate's dedication to preserving the environment is unwavering. From nurturing diverse ecosystems to championing organic certification, every aspect of Château Guiraud's winemaking process reflects a profound respect for nature.

Crafted from a meticulous blend of 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, Château Guiraud Premier Cru embodies purity and balance. It exudes floral freshness, exotic nuances, and lusciously sweet flavors on a dense, well-rounded palate. Truly, a delicately aromatic masterpiece.

Château Guiraud’s unique terroir, where 80% sandy gravels and 20% clay gravels converge, delivers a stunning Premier Grand Cru Classé that reflects the essence of its surroundings. With subsoils of translucent sand, pure gravels, red clay, and limestone marls, the vineyards flourish atop fossilized oyster beds. It is within this rich tapestry of soil and climate that the grapes thrive, imparting a distinct character to each bottle of Château Guiraud.

Sauternes wines are made primarily from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have been naturally affected by noble rot, Botrytis fungus. In this case, it’s a desirable fungus, allowing the perfect growing conditions for sweet wine. The fungus causes small holes in the skin of the grapes, and the grapes dehydrate on the vine, concentrating the sugar in the grapes, they look like raisins at harvest. The result is a wine with deep and complex flavors and aromas. 

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels (80% new)

Tasting Notes: 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

This is showing a lovely amber color with beautifully complex aromas of pineapple, marmalade, crystallized ginger, honey and dried mangoes. Rich and spicy, with intense sweet spices and tropical fruit balanced by freshness. Very long and youthful still. 65% semillon and 35% sauvignon blanc. 150 g/L residual sugar. Drink or hold. ~95 James Suckling

Lively and expressive, with floral and citrus notes – there’s even a touch of lemon sherbet. Round, full and textured with bitter orange freshness and persistence. Pure and complete. Grown organically. ~95 Decanter

The nose is elegant, beautifully fresh and offers a certain intensity as well as complexity. It reveals notes of candied peach, crystallized lemon, small notes of candied pear associated with touches of small yellow fruits, quince, verbena as well as fine hints of yellow flowers, honey, very fine hints of patisseries/caramelization and a racy minerality. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, fat, very discreetly tight and offers an acidulous frame, gourmandize richness as well as matter, tension, dynamism, a beautiful freshness, precision, definition and a beautiful acidulous. On the palate this wine expresses notes of candied lemon, small notes of candied pear associated with touches of roasted pineapple, quince, crushed Mirabelle as well as hints of patisseries/caramelization, brioche, hazelnut, a subtle hint of nutmeg, a very discreet hint of verbena/bergamot and an imperceptible hint of peach flowers. Good length. ~95 VertdeVin

A thick, unctuous style, with marzipan, dried pineapple, mango and dried guava notes leading to a good bolt of toasted almond and pie crust on the finish. A muscular, well-stuffed version that will need some time to settle in. Best from 2015 through 2030. 6,000 cases made. ~94 Wine Spectator

Medium deep golden colour. Sweet nose showing bergamot, tea, saffron and spices with tropical fruit. The palate is rich and concentrated with high extract, layers of tropical fruit, well integrated oak, fine toastiness and a long unctuous finish. A ripe and bold style, yet with freshness and elegance all along. ~94 Andreas Larsson, Master of Wine

Medium lemon-gold colored, the 2010 Guiraud explodes from the glass with baked pineapple, lemon tart and apple pie scents plus suggestions of acacia honey, jasmine tea, musk perfume and marzipan. The palate doesn’t disappoint either, exuding bold tropical flavors with a lively line of freshness and a long, perfumed finish. ~93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Medium golden yellow, silver reflections. Intense honey note, fine herbs, some coconut, orange zest, already well developed, a multi-faceted bouquet. Substantial, good complexity, white pepper, delicate caramel, it seems opulent, powerful, persistent, and has a good future. ~ 93 Falstaff

There is a wonderful balance to this wine. It has ripe tropical fruit flavors that are spiced with ginger and lemon zest. At the same time, there is a fine structure with a botrytis core and freshness from pineapple acidity. ~93 Wine Enthusiast

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