Château Guiraud 2017

Of great breed and density, with juiciness and length, lovely acidity, no trace of cloying sweetness, a finish on dried apricots: excellently made.

The 2017 Guiraud opens with subtle notions of crushed rocks, wild fungi and fragrant earth, leading to a profound core of orange marmalade, crystallized lemon peel, dried pineapple and paraffin wax. The rich, opulent, wonderfully exotic palate delivers soft acidity and loads of spicy sparks, finishing with great length and depth.

Mango, peach melba, gingerbread and hazelnut notes are laced with a racy streak of orange peel, giving this unctuous, forward Sauternes good energy through the finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2035. 3,750 cases made.

Silky and concentrated, this is one of the successes of the appellation for me. It has lovely zest and zip, with touches of candied ginger and a fresh lift on the finish. It manages to give shade and light more than most in the vintage, but is just a little shorter than in some previous years. Very good quality, reminiscent of 2009.

This is very fruity and layered, with botrytis spice and dried apricot and pear flavors. Full-bodied. Very sweet with tangy acidity. There’s an almost sweet-and-sour undertone to this. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2021 onwards.

Fresh, sweet, honeyed, and floral, the wine serves up a nice blend of brown sugar, mangoes, orange peel, vanilla, and caramel. Rich as well as peppy, so everything holds together and ages perfectly.

Luminous golden yellow. Complex bouquet with dried apricots, lemon balm, and acacia honey, followed by English breakfast marmalade and a delicate hint of saffron. On the oily palate, baroque in stature, with a noble texture and a caramel-like extract. In the focused, slightly introverted finish, almond biscuit, waxy notes, and orange oil. Guiraud is at peace with itself, radiating more inward for now — but everything is in its right place here!

Kunz barrel sample 18: dense, velvety, finely mineral bouquet, grapefruit, mirabelle plum jam, honey, vanilla. Powerful, concentrated, fairly opulent palate with a creamy texture, intense and varied aromatics, well-integrated acidity, very long, dense finish with plenty of retronasal aromas.

Dense, velvety, finely mineral bouquet, grapefruit, mirabelle jam, honey, vanilla. Powerful, dense, richly opulent palate with a creamy texture, intense and complex aromatics, well-integrated acidity, very long, concentrated finish with plenty of lingering flavors. 18/20 2025 - 2050

Crafted with intelligence to highlight the fruit’s delicacy and freshness. Meant for aperitif drinking and more immediate enjoyment, without sacrificing complexity or finesse of flavor. A perfect wine for discovery and pleasure.

A subtle oaky imprint and dense fruit, slightly thick but without heaviness, with a mid-palate that seems amplified by a small tannic sensation brought by the new oak. A wine that will mature quietly in the bottle.

Complex, refreshing bouquet marked by aromas of mirabelle plums, pineapple, and green apples. The nose also reveals notes of caramel and nougat. On the palate, there is pedigree, tension, and freshness, along with richness and density. A persistent finish, ideally supported by the structure. What strength of character and what promising prospects. Guiraud 2017 is among the greatest successes of Sauternes in 2017

Yellow color with green and grey highlights. Moderately aromatic nose with finely candied fruit. Rich on the attack, mellow as it unfolds, very fruity and flavorful, the wine bounces back on the finish with a beautiful, complex aromatic nobility dominated by blood orange. Long and very good.

94–96. Barrel Sample. Ripe, botrytized fruit currently dominates this wine with its rich concentration. It is a full and liquorous wine that will age for many years. Drink from 2025.