2023 Château Guiraud
Released this morning at £240 per six bottles and with 96 points from Jane Anson is 2023 Château Guiraud, a Premiere Grand Cru Classé estate in Sauternes.
2023 is a superb year for both dry and sweet white wines. The cooler start to the summer produced excellent acidity levels. In Sauternes, alternating wet/dry spells were ideal for botrytis, which developed earlier than in previous vintages. Warm dry weather in October allowed for repeated ‘tries’ in the vineyard.
We didn't have an opportunity to taste the 2023 from Guiraud, but the Sauternes we did taste reminded us of the excellence of vintages like 2007, with a combination of electric acidity and citrus-lime fruit, with the richer notes of ginger and honey from botrytis.
The recent appointment of Yquem's ex-winemaker Sandrine Garbay to the post at Guiraud suggests the ambition at this estate to make the best wines possible. The 2023 will drink beautifully when young but will also age beautifully, so we recommend adding some to your cellar.
Offered en primeur, landing spring 2026.
To order, please e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk.
Producer Profile
Château Guiraud
Château Guiraud is a premieres grand cru classé estate in Sauternes.
| WHITE | 2023 | Château Guiraud | 75cl | £480 per case of 12 | Château Guiraud 2023 / / 75cl £480 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Guiraud, now made by former Yquem winemaker Sandrine Garbay, has a rather reticent nose at first, opening with orange pith and pear aromas. It just needs a bit more intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with a tangy opening. It’s a little spicier than its peers—marmalade and stem ginger, with more peachiness toward the finish. It feels harmonious and poised, but I would wait until the aromatics open, so give it four to five years after bottling. 92-94 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Vivid gold in colour, laced with white peach juice, grilled pear, stone fruits, lime juice, opulent but with sculpted lift and zest, this extends outwards and upwards through the palate, capturing the pleasure of 2023 sweet wines in Bordeaux. Has spice and character, gorgeously expressive even now, and will age with ease. Sandrine Garbay, long time winemaker of Yquem, is director at this 128ha estate, that has been farmed organically since 2011. Harvest began on September 27 and continued through to October 13. 96 points" janeanson.com------"You really see the class and botrytis character here with clarity and focus. Notes of spice, mushroom powder, subtle apricot and honey. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and bright with nice sweetness at the end. A modern and precise Sauternes. 96-97 points" jamessuckling.com |
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