Château Guiraud Sauternes 2025 - 1er Cru Classé BIO (Primeurs)

The château is owned by four partners: Robert Peugeot, Xavier Planty (who manages the estate), Stephan von Neipperg, and Olivier Bernard. Certified organic since 2011 and home to a truly unique collection of Aquitaine white grape varieties (175 clones of Sauvignon and Sémillon), Guiraud is leading the way in sustainable viticulture in the Sauternes region. Here, perfectly botrytized grapes are harvested with precision to produce two types of sweet wines. The grand vin, full of finesse and maturing fairly quickly in the bottle, and the Petit-Guiraud, deliberately less rich but perfect as an aperitif—as one can see in the very elegant restaurant-brasserie the estate has just opened. The dry Bordeaux G is less appealing; it’s clean but too simple for the terroir.

 

This Sauternes Premier Cru Classé is now owned by four co-owners: Robert Peugeot, Olivier Bernard (Domaine de Chevalier), Stephan Von Neipperg (Château Canon-la-Gaffelière), and Xavier Planty. Under the skillful leadership of Xavier Planty, the estate has, for many vintages now, produced a perfect example of a great modern Sauternes—toasty, very approachable from its early years, and one that has gained tremendous finesse and minerality. Viticulture here is meticulously managed; in fact, Guiraud was the first of the 1855 First Growths to receive organic certification, in 2011. Through tremendous dedication, the estate successfully respects the natural development of noble rot. As for winemaking, the estate strictly avoids any form of chaptalization—as should be the case for all classified growths, a principle championed by Xavier Planty. The Château also produces, on unclassified Sauternes terroirs under the Bordeaux appellation, a significant volume of a dry white wine meant to be enjoyed in its prime youth.

Elegant and well-balanced, with aromas of quince, pastries, and spices. Medium-bodied, with a silky texture. Refined and charming, with a well-controlled sweetness and a delicious spicy note that adds liveliness to the finish.

Chalky nuances blend with aromas of cocoa and jasmine blossoms before giving way to notes of orange peel, licorice, and lemongrass. Its complexity is well established, and the list of aromatic characteristics mentioned here is by no means exhaustive! The wine’s dense attack blends with smooth yet incisive notes. Harmony is evident from the very first sip, and the wine shines not only for its fullness but also for its invigorating and fresh qualities. The experience is crowned by an endless finish. A brilliant wine. 2030–2080