Château Guiraud Sauternes 2005

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BN#177761

Château Guiraud

The first growth is produced from a 85ha of Sauternes appellation vines. Only Semillon and Sauvignon are planted at Guiraud with a pruning "à cots" or "in fan" for the Semillons and long branches for the Sauvignons. Harvest is only done hand picking by successive waves through the vineyard (2 to 7 selections), picking only the botrytised berries. A minimum of potential alcohol (20°) must be reached before starting the harvest. The fermentation made in new oak barrels over a period of three weeks to two months. Different batches are fermentated until they reach their own equilibrium which depends upon their selection. Chaptalisation, cryoextraction and any other technique used to enrich the wine are absolutely prohibited. The ageing in barrels last 24 months.

Wine Spectator

Delivers lots of botrytis spice, with lemon tart and cooked apple. Full-bodied, with loads of cream and vanilla and an intense tropical fruit and honey aftertaste. Long and viscous, with a layered and beautiful spicy finish. Hard not to drink it now. Best after 2014.

Score: 97. —James Suckling, March 31, 2008.

Wine Enthusiast

Typical of the huge power of Guiraud, this is one of the richest Sauternes in 2005. The wine is rich and intense, the dry edge of botrytis just dominating the sweetness. Flavors of honey, almonds and peaches give the wine extra complexity.

Score: 95. —Roger Voss, June 01, 2008.