CHATEAU GUIRAUD 1er Grand Cru Class, Sauternes 2010 HALF

Description

The Chateau Guiraud Premier Grand Cru Classe Sauternes 2010 is an absolute triumph. Grown organically and crafted with immense care, this wonderful blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc showcases exactly how brilliant a beautifully made Bordeaux dessert wine can be. It offers an immaculate balance between luxurious richness and a wonderfully vibrant freshness.

Pouring a stunning amber colour, it immediately captivates the senses with incredibly complex and inviting aromas. You will discover gorgeous layers of crystallised ginger, dried mangoes, warm honey and baked pineapple, alongside delicate floral notes and a subtle hint of lemon tart. On the palate, the wine is full, round and beautifully textured, delivering intense and pure flavours of tangy marmalade, quince and vibrant tropical fruit. Despite its profound sweetness, it remains incredibly lively and dynamic thanks to a core of crisp acidity and an uplifting bitter orange freshness. The finish is remarkably long, youthfully taut and wonderfully perfumed, leaving a lasting impression of sweet spices and pure elegance.

Celebrated by the experts, this magnificent 2010 vintage has earned a stellar 95 points from James Suckling, Vinous and Decanter, with critics universally praising its immense depth and tension. Whether you choose to enjoy it right now or keep it resting in the cellar for decades to come, it is a truly spectacular wine. Serve it lightly chilled alongside fruit tarts, savoury dishes or creamy blue cheeses.

JAMES SUCKLING 95
This is showing a lovely amber color with beautifully complex aromas of pineapple, marmalade, crystallized ginger, honey and dried mangoes. Rich and spicy, with intense sweet spices and tropical fruit balanced by freshness. Very long and youthful still. 65% semillon and 35% sauvignon blanc. 150 g/L residual sugar. Drink or hold.

VINOUS 95
Drinking window: 2023 - 2060
The 2010 Guiraud is a little closed on the nose like the 2010 Climens and demands a lot of coaxing from the glass. Eventually it reveals scents of dried honey, fig and ginger but they feel muted at the moment. The palate is much better and more expressive with tangy marmalade and quince notes, good depth and fine tension. It is just a case of waiting for the nose to open because the palate really shows the potential here. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

DECANTER 95
Tasted by: James Lawther MW
Drinking Window: 2019 - 2040
Lively and expressive, with floral and citrus notes – there’s even a touch of lemon sherbet. Round, full and textured with bitter orange freshness and persistence. Pure and complete. Grown organically.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93
Medium lemon-gold colored, the 2010 Guiraud explodes from the glass with baked pineapple, lemon tart and apple pie scents plus suggestions of acacia honey, jasmine tea, musk perfume and marzipan. The palate doesn’t disappoint either, exuding bold tropical flavors with a lively line of freshness and a long, perfumed finish. Drink Date: 2020 - 2035.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 93
There is a wonderful balance to this wine. It has ripe tropical fruit flavors that are spiced with ginger and lemon zest. At the same time, there is a fine structure with a botrytis core and freshness from pineapple acidity. Drink from 2017.