Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2009
"The 2009 Guiraud is very tight on the nose, taking time to unfurl, with notes of apricot, peach, a touch of honeysuckle and quince. Good definition. The palate is impressive: tightly coiled, honeyed fruit, very fine acidity, linear at first then fanning out across the finish with notes of dried apricot, nectarine, a touch of almond and a faint hint of spice. With good length and unctuous on the finish, this Guiraud is impossible to ignore." 94-96 Points, Wine Advocate
Chateau Guiraud Description
The first growth is produced from a 85ha of Sauternes appellation vines. Only Semillon and Sauvignon are planted at Guiraud with a pruning "à cots" or "in fan" for the Semillons and long branches for the Sauvignons. Harvest is only done hand picking by successive waves through the vineyard (2 to 7 selections), picking only the botrytised berries. A minimum of potential alcohol (20°) must be reached before starting the harvest. The fermentation made in new oak barrels over a period of three weeks to two months. Different batches are fermentated until they reach their own equilibrium which depends upon their selection. Chaptalisation, cryoextraction and any other technique used to enrich the wine are absolutely prohibited. The ageing in barrels last 24 months.
Wine Enthusiast: 97 Points
James Suckling: 96 Points
Gorgeous aromas of dried apricots, apple pie crust and pineapple. Full-bodied, with medium sweetness. Dense and layered. Beautiful now but will improve with age. Drink or hold.
Wine Advocate: 94-96 Points
Wine Spectator: 96 Points
Stephen Tanzer: 91 Points
(a 65/35 blend of semillon and sauvignon; 13.9% alcohol; 139 g/l residual sugar) Bright golden yellow. Captivating spicy aromas of peach nectar, honey, ginger and menthol. Quite suave on entry, then rich and chewy in the middle, with lovely cut to its honeyed peach, melon, ripe citrus and lemongrass flavors. Thanks to lively acidity this wine conveys an impression of impeccable balance, and the high sauvignon content contributes to a fresher, lighter mouth feel. Finishes extremely long and pure, with vibrant lingering notes of gingery oak and clean botrytis. Extremely easy to drink.
