97pts Wine Enthusiast
Tightly structured and with its impressive balance between sweetness and a taut texture, this wine is obviously set for some considerable aging. The dry core of botrytis balances its density and its dark marmalade flavors. This wine has a great future.
95pts Vinous
The 2020 Guiraud is fabulous. Usually a more opulent wine, the 2020 impresses with its translucent personality. Orange confit, apricot preserves, chamomile and dried flowers all develop in the glass. I very much like the energy here. A classy, impressive wine. –Antonio Galloni
94pts James Suckling
Apricots, honeysuckle, lemons, mango crumble, earl grey and vanilla beans on the nose. Pretty spice notes that keep going, married with fresh zesty undertones. Elegant, even somewhat understated, with a long and vibrant finish. Drink now.
94pts Decanter
This is hugely appealing. Fleshy and exotic, with saffron and cinnamon, luscious and rich in a way that is a little atypical for the signature of Guiraud - you feel the concentration of the vintage, although the necessary lift on the finish comes in through white pepper spice, fennel, white pear and passion fruit. 2020 is the 10th vintage to be certified as organic.
93pts Wine Spectator
Bright, juicy and with good freshness, this pushes a mix of yellow apple, pineapple and white peach to the fore, backed by a long elderflower honey note that holds the finish prettily. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Winemaker's Notes
The 2020 vintage is the fruit of Chateau Guiraud's expertise in offering a vintage that, despite the small quantity produced, is remarkably seductive. Upon tasting, you will immediately notice the fine tension and the purity that are the result of the extremely rigorous selection of the grapes during the harvest. The botrytis aromas are very fresh and somewhat spicy. The silky texture collides with notes of quince and fresh apricot to provide a conclusion of great refinement.
Blend: 65% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc
History
Throughout its history, Chateau Guiraud, Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855, has always been proud of its independence and has always followed its own path. This domain, with its 128 hectares situated exclusively around the village of Sauternes and its unique combination of grape varieties, is one of the rare properties in France to have created its own conservatory of vine stock varieties.
In 1996, ever faithful to its pioneering spirit, the vineyard underwent a cultural revolution under the impulse of Xavier Planty, who was at the time manager of Chateau Guiraud, which prohibits the use of all synthetic products. In 2011 Chateau Guiraud became the first Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855 to be awarded Agriculture Biologique (AB) certification.
The philosophy at Chateau Guiraud is guided by constant questioning and their desire to let nature take its course, thus allowing the vines to achieve their full potential.
