Dry White Bordeaux is one of the wine world’s most exciting, yet regularly overlooked wine styles. Having been blessed with the opportunity to taste extensively in the region on numerous occasions, the Mr.Wheeler team always returns to the UK full of excitement about the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion blends enjoyed during their travels. One such wine which always seems to push the envelope for progressive, immediately gratifying White Bordeaux is that of G de Château Guiraud; the dry white cuvée of the famed Sauternes 1er Grand cru Classé property and immediate neighbour of Château d'Yquem; Château Guiraud.
The latest instalment of the cuvée is a 50/50 split between zesty Sauvignon Blanc and textural Sémillon. The dedicated vineyards used to produce “G” are actually sited within the commune of Sauternes itself, in the south of the Bordeaux region. Vine age here is well over 30 years, with all of the Château’s vineyards being farmed completely organically since the 2011 vintage.
In 2018 a tremendous vintage was slightly hampered by a well-publicised hailstorm on 15th July, the only real long-term consequence being that a number of passes were required at harvest time to ensure the highest quality fruit was selected for inclusion in the blend. The juice was matured in 80% oak barrels from the previous vintage of Château Guiraud itself and 20% in stainless steel. The resultant wine reflects stunning freshness and zeal, whilst the mid-palate is awash with creamy textural notes from the older oak barrel contact. This is a wine which can be enjoyed immediately upon arrival from Bordeaux, but will blossom over four or five years in the cellar. It is a stunning ‘little’ wine and in our opinion, is an absolute steal.
Martin Wheatley - Mr.Wheeler's Fine Wine Desk
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