2011 chateau guiraud premier cru classe, sauternes
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Why We're Buying
Any conversation of the best wine estates in Sauternes starts with Château Guiraud. As one of the region's most prominent châteaux, it owns a Premier Cru Classé ranking and the critical praise to back it up.
Critics Scores
Wine Spectator
A large-scale version, with seamlessly layered notes of almond cream, apricot, ginger, mango, piecrust, papaya and toasted hazelnut. The long, spice-infused finish shows ample depth, echoing with an enticing tarte Tatin note. Best from 2016 through 2035.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. After Yquem and Doisy-Védrines, the Château Guiraud 2011 seems a little muted on the nose, but that is not fair because it is well defined and very focused, gradually unfurling to reveal scents of honey, orange blossom and quince. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity. This is a more understated Sauternes, harmonious and nonchalant in style, but don’t be fooled because there is great tension, delineation and poise on the finish, the fruit seamlessly bound with the new oak. This appears to have gained elegance and complexity in bottle, ergo my higher score.
Wine Enthusiast
The first impression is of the dry botrytis that has infused the wine. Then comes the acidity and crisp lemon flavor. Gradually, ripe marmalade and fragrant honey come out along with acidity. It’s a fascinating, complex wine worthy of a wait. Drink from 2019.
James Suckling
This wine has exceptional clarity, balance and freshness, with lots of spicy botrytis character. Full body, medium-sweet and a crisp finish. It’s racy and refined. What’s impressive is the intensity of noble rot that makes the wine feel almost dry. This is the greatest wine ever made here. Made from organic grapes. Try in 2017, but already delicious to drink.