Still ageing nicely, the 1999 vintage marks the end of the century. An intense and complex bouquet, with peach, apricot, mango, candied white fruit, honey, vanilla, elderflower, lily of the valley and roast aromas. Full on the palate, fat, fleshy, fresh citrus fruit alongside apricot with apple tart and cloves, very sweet and concentrated. Beautifully pure with lots of substance, a precise attack, very slender characterised by the Sauvignon Blanc. Chateau Guiraud Sauternes Premiere Cru 1999 shows loads of wonderful botrytis character, with sweet mace and sweet tobacco on the palate with a super long finish. Its exceptional potential will allow this wine to be laid down as well as to be enjoyed rapidly.

$149.00

The first growth Chateau Guiraud is produced from 85 hectares of Sauternes appellation estate vines. Only Semillon (65%) and Sauvignon Blanc (35%) are planted at Guiraud. Harvest is done by hand-picking by successive waves through the vineyard (2 to 7 selections), picking only the botrytised berries. It is all about quality over quantity. The resulting nectar is fermented in new oak barrels over a period of three weeks to two months. The wine is then aged in barrels for 24 months. Chateau Guiraud uses only traditional winemaking methods.

DANIEL ROGOV REVIEW: Golden yellow towards bronze in color, full-bodied and with generous apricot, citrus and floral aromas and flavors. Excellent balance between generous honeyed sweetness and natural acidity keep the wine lively. Long and with a hint of ripe melon on the finish. Drink now-2030, perhaps longer. DR Score 93.