14% abv, Sauternes, Gironde, imported by MISA Imports, Dallas, TX. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: root day.
The dry wine (Bordeaux Blanc Sec) from the famous producer fo lusciously-sweet Sauternes wines is a newcomer on the scene, launched in 2010 and produced in select vintages from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The historic chateau was founded under the Giraud name in 1766 and has farmed their vineyard organically since 1996. It seems almost no expense is spared to produce a dry wine worthy of the chateau’s Grand Cru status: “80% of the fermentation takes place in barrels that have made our Sauternes, 1er Grand Cru classé and 20% in stainless steel vats, for about 3 weeks. Finally, the wine is aged in barrels for 7 months with stirring on the lees.” The result is impressive in its unctuous concentration of flavor and long finish.
Tasting note: the G de Giraudis medium gold in color with a clean nose of pronounced intensity with aromas of lemon custard, grapefruit, sour melon, and honeydew. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acid, medium+ body, medium+ alcohol, pronounced flavor intensity and a long finish with flavors of grapefruit, briney melon, Meyer lemon, turmeric, royal jelly, cream, subtle wood spice and apple mint. Drink now or through 2026, this wine is outstanding: 9.5/10.