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Guiraud 1996 Ex-Chateau (750ML)
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Critic Scores, Reviews & Descriptions
91 RP / 17 JR
One of the stars of the vintage for Sauternes, the 1996 Guiraud offers a sumptuous nose of tangerine fruit intermixed with caramel and buttered corn. The wine displays a deep golden color, and striking flavors of Chinese black tea, marmalade, honey, and citrus. The powerful yet elegant flavors remain in the mouth for a significant period of time. While this wine is traditionally a blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon, Xavier Plantey, the estate's manager, told me that there is nearly 45% Sauvignon Blanc in the final blend of the 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025. - Robert Parker
Quite dark copper. Doesn’t smell quite pure. Big and massive with tawny macerated raisins – rather like a TBA with much more alcohol. Treacly finish. Dramatic and I guess lots of risky decisions were taken to pick the grapes this ripe but the result just lacks a little refreshment. - Jancis Robinson