2009 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes (375 mL) Half-Bottle

Yquem’s First Growth Next Door Neighbor 

Not long ago, a half-bottle of this 2009 Chateau Guiraud paired with a generous hunk of Livarot stopped all activity at Wine Access. Tasted with Guiraud brand ambassador, Jade Moreau, the classic golden elixir wafted aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine, flaunted a rich yet vibrant palate of apricot, white peach, beeswax, and vanilla custard. With triple 96-point scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and James Suckling, and Tim Atkin MW’s own 97-point praise, this 2009 is a bona fide superstar—“the wine that every vintage since 1983 would love to be,” according to the Advocate. As the neighbor to Chateau d’Yquem, Chateau Guiraud invokes greatness at every turn, while maintaining a modest price. No other First Growth from Sauternes and Barsac comes close to offering this much value at $34.99 per bottle—30% off while they last. Shipping included on 4.

At Chateau Guiraud, history and tradition are seamlessly integrated with modern approaches to viticulture and winemaking. In the 1990s, co-owner and manager Xavier Planty began applying organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Later, the estate would become the first classified growth in Bordeaux to be certified organic. In a pristine vineyard that contains an amazing 635 species of insects and animals, biodiversity and improved vine health translate to an incredible level of purity in the glass—thus the early end to the work week at Wine Access!

On the ownership team at Guiraud, the pioneering Planty is joined by a serious power trio. There is Stephan Von Neipperg, manager of Chateau Canon La Gaffelière and Chateau La Mondotte, Olivier Bernard, manager of Domaine de Chevalier, and Robert Peugeot (yes, that Peugeot). The team is extraordinarily experienced, well resourced, and has driven quality to new heights at Guiraud.

Since its release, critical acclaim for the 2009 Guiraud has been off the charts. Parker’s Wine Advocate called the 2009, “the wine that every vintage since 1983 would love to be.” Wine Spectator hailed, “stunning richness and mouthfeel, with the power to be one of the longer-lived wines of the vintage.” Both added 96 point scores, as did James Suckling.