Today we share another unique retrospective, featuring one of the top houses in Sauternes. Chateau Guiraud is a grand cru classe Sauternes producer that dates back to 1766. The house remained in the family for generations and today the estate vineyard consists of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc plantings. Vines are on average 35–40 years old. Starting in 2001, Château Guiraud has had its own conservatory of white grapevine varieties, the only one of its kind in the world. This invaluable reserve contains 135 original strains of Semillion and of Sauvignon Blanc. For years these have been some of my favorite wines of Sauternes, offering serious value and consistency regardless of vintage.
The chateau has some serious talent in their leadership today, starting with Xavier Planty, who was first appointed manager in 1986, and later became co-owner in 2006. As President of the Organisation for the Defence and Management of the Sauternes and Barsac appellations, he represents this territory and its wines at the CIVB, the inter-professional council for Bordeaux wines. Co-owner Robert Peugeot is President and General Manager of the company FFP and also member of Club des 100 in Paris. Co-owner Stephan Von Neipperg also runs Château Canon La Gaffelière and Château La Mondotte, both Premier Grand Cru Classé in Saint-Emilion while co-owner Oliver Bernard is President of the Union des Grands Crus and is also manager of Domaine de Chevalier.
For years I have loved tasting these wines from my personal collection and for the Christmas holiday I decided to open several of these beauties. I was surprised by a few of these discoveries. I had little doubt of the 2005 Guiraud’s (OB, 95) power and prestige. This wine is in a perfect spot to consume now and can easily go for another ten to fifteen. The 2004 Guiraud (OB, 92) was a surprise for me and was better than previously tasted. This one needs to be consumed now but is flat out fabulous with its rich texture and flavor range. Finally, the 2007 Guiraud (OB, 94) is exotic and showy, with insane aromatic range. This is one who enjoys the more full-throttle approach of Sauternes. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.chateauguiraud.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful 2004-2007 wines by Chateau Guiraud.
2004 Chateau Guiraud- The 2004 vintage was very difficult in Sauternes, This is right in its sweet spot with quince and beeswax notes alongside candied ginger, wet stone, butterscotch, brandy soaked pear and an exotic and lingering finish. Considering the vintage, this has formidable weight on the mid-palate, with a lovely, oily texture. This might not have the botrytis of the 2007 but is showing nearly as good, with serious length and finesse. Savor this beauty now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2005 Chateau Guiraud- The finest wine of this tasting is the highly balanced and also very rich 2005 Chateau Guiraud — which seems to not be slowing down in the least bit now at the seventeen year mark. On the nose this shows off beautiful white florals alongside beeswax, papaya, vanilla creme brûlée and suggestions of ripe date. The palate is very seamless and silky as this elegant bottling glides throughout the drinking experience. Wait for the minute long finish! This bottling is better than previously tasted a year ago (2021). Enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2023-2033- 95
2006 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes- This is now my third attempt at tasting the 2006 Chateau Guiraud which is a really good wine to enjoy now and seems to be slightly slowing down. Ripe baking spices and pineapple fill the nose with suggestions of dried mango. The palate is medium bodied and shows light tension and flinty tones that mingle with the tropical fruit flavors. A limited amount of Botrytis greets you, as this is best enjoyed now.Drink 2023–2029- 91
2007 Chateau Guiraud- Coming from this gorgeous vintage in Sauternes, the 2007 Chateau Guiraud is already beautifully evolved. Showing a darker hue than the 2004, this also is more concentrated with salted toffee, banana, apricot and shades of gingerbread on the palate. Very heady and intense, with a bright acid backbone, this is stunning now and will hold well for another eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 94