Tasting Notes
Vinous 93+
Bright yellow-gold. Deep aromas of lime, peach, quince, minerals, menthol and saffron are complicated by tangy botrytis tones. Ripe, creamy flavors of peach, lime and lemon verbena show noteworthy sweetness and power, with harmonious acidity providing lift. This very rich, textured wine coats the palate with tropical fruit and mineral flavors that linger impressively on the back end, enlivened by a brisk citrus element. This stellar Guiraud, which strikes me as being richer and deeper than the 2010, is still very young and will improve further in a good cold cellar.
Wine Advocate 92
Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. After Yquem and Doisy-Védrines, the Château Guiraud 2011 seems a little muted on the nose, but that is not fair because it is well defined and very focused, gradually unfurling to reveal scents of honey, orange blossom and quince. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity. This is a more understated Sauternes, harmonious and nonchalant in style, but don’t be fooled because there is great tension, delineation and poise on the finish, the fruit seamlessly bound with the new oak. This appears to have gained elegance and complexity in bottle, ergo my higher score.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2040
