2016 Chateau Guiraud

Extravagantly rich and viscous with remarkable freshness shining through the long, power packed finish.

Ranked one step down the Sauternes appellation pyramid from the legendary Chateau d'Yquem is Chateau Guiraud. The wine is produced from certified organic vines with an average age of about 20-30 years old. The cepage is 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Ageing takes place in French oak for approximately 18 months.
Bright golden straw colour with deep gold tinged edges. Intoxicating aromas of honeyed peaches and apricot carry a strong botrytis character with marmalade, toffee apple, sweet pineapple and spice notes ensuing. Rich, concentrated and voluminous, the incredibly luscious palate is drenched with a thick coating of honeyed apricot, peach and pineapple fruits. Marmalade, subtle toffee apple and spice elements are layered across the expansive back half. Despite it’s textural viscosity it shows remarkable freshness through the long power packed finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Guiraud has a pale lemon color and opens with musk perfume, paraffin, cedar and spice box notes with a core of lemon tart, honey-drizzled white peaches and kumquat plus a waft of quince paste. The palate has beautiful vibrancy and loads of lively tropical and spicy layers, finishing very long. Drink 2021-2044.
95 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (Mar 30, 2019)

The 2016 Guiraud has a very attractive, complex bouquet of lemon curd, orange blossom and light lanolin aromas that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with a spicy opening. This feels concentrated and harmonious, delivering good grip and a tangy marmalade-driven finish that begs you back for another sip. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. Drink 2023-2050.
95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous (Jan 2020)

One of the top Sauternes in this report is the 2016 Château Guiraud, a brilliant wine from a more challenging vintage for the Sauternes region. Beautiful, powerful notes of sugared peach, blood orange, caramelized pineapple, and honey all give way to a full-bodied Sauternes that has loads of sweetness and richness, yet good acidity as well. It does everything right and will offer up incredible pleasure over the coming 25-30 years. Drink 2021-2051.
96 points
Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019)

Guiraud walks the line of minerality, florality and richness effectively for me. Lime juice oozes through, you can't hold it back, and your mouth responds. Succulent, with a well judged salinity. Very good. Drink 2022-2050.
95 points
Jane Anson - Decanter (April 2017)