Guiraud Bordeaux Blanc Sec Le "G"

It is no secret that Sauternes produces some the greatest white wines on earth. What is a secret is that they are not all sweet wines, as many people assume. The winemaker has a choice– to make Sauternes sweet or dry. And when they choose dry, we’re in for one of the most delicious, exciting white wine rides of our lives:

Le “G” de Chateau Guiraud is a wonderful example of the dizzying heights that white Bordeaux can reach.  Its complex aromas broadcast quince, yellow plum, grapefruit and lychee. This blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillon aged in one-year-old Sauternes barrels (the estate also makes a fantastic Sauternes—see below).

On the palate, you’re treated to a combination of bone-dry minerality, exotic, slightly Near East spices (think saffron, Aleppo pepper and cinnamon), and a gloriously rich fruit component. This is so delicious you’re not just going to drink a glass, you’re going to drink a bottle – and then come back for a case!

If you’re hip to Sauternes, you know of the incomparable, “above all others” per the 1855 classification, is Chateau is d’Yquem. And that is darn delicious stuff. Drink it as often as you can—especially if someone else is paying.

Our little gem today, Guiraud, was founded in 1766 along a continuous border with Chateau d’Yquem on the same terroir and, along with d’Yquem, is the only Sauternes producer within the borders of Sauternes. The idea probably was to become rivals. But, the Guirauds were loud and proud Christians, putting a chapel on the property in order to worship. This did not pair well with revolutionary sentiment, and Guiraud entered a long period of decline.

Finally in 2006, a partnership of three famous Bordelaise vintners bought the property with the grand and noble ambition to make it finally equal its neighborly rival. The vineyard was converted completely to biodynamics. A conservatory of grape varieties was developed containing all 135 original strains of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

As Wine Master Jasper Morris puts it:

“Guiraud is a very ambitious property with aspirations to produce a wine that will one day rival d`Yquem. The wines are astonishingly rich, especially in light of the high proportion of Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, and are undoubtedly amongst the finest wines being produced in Sauternes today.”