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An Outstanding 2009 White Bordeaux For The Money
Guiraud is primarily a Premier Cru Sauternes house, passed through several families and owners over the years, but it was a decision by one mid-nineteenth-century proprietor, Paul Cesar Rival, that led to the creation of Le G de Chateau Guiraud. Rival was nothing if not eccentric and determined to do what he liked, even if it didn’t make sense to anyone else.
When he decided to plant what some would say is a disproportionate amount of Sauvignon Blanc, some called it a mistake, as Semillon is where the money and the prestige lie. But the existence of this Sauvignon Blanc is why we have "Le G", and because a clean, crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc goes oh-so-much better with a plate of oysters than a sweet Sauternes and for a smaller price tag, we have to commend that decision.
Incidentally, Rival also went down in history as the only man in Bordeaux to add an airstrip to his estate...and the only one to crash his plane in Yquem's vineyard. Now that's a costly mistake!
We all know how good 2009 was in Bordeaux mainly for the reds but the whites from the vintage were also very good and especially at the $20 and under level. Le G de Chateau Guiraud is easily the best white Bordeaux from 2009 that we’ve tasted in the $20 and under range.
Jon Visser, Wine Buyer 4 stars
Beautiful nose with plenty of ripe white fruits. On the palate lots of peach, some richness from the oak ageing, minerals, and a very clean finish with good acidity. Great precision and purity.
80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon | 
