1989 Ch Guiraud

Sauternes had a fantastic streak of vintages in 1988, 1989 and 1990. In particular the 89 vintage is great, with loads of botrytis and high sugar content.

I bought a bottle of 1989 Château Guiraud when on vacation in Bordeaux back in 2006 and had it this New Year’s Eve with some foie gras. Unsurprisingly, the combination was great. There is not a more classical match to Sauternes than foie gras. 22 years in a bottle results in great complexity for a (good) Sauternes. Dark yellow colour. A bit musty on the nose immediately after opening, but the mustiness disappears quickly. I didn’t air or decant it. Deep in structure and shows a nose of saffron, apricots, nuts and oranges, but also some spices, which probably were not present when the bottle still was young. Viscous and long with nice acidity and not too much evidence of residual sugar. Great palate of orange marmalade and honey. I was I had more bottles of mature Sauternes. This is really something else as compared to a young Sauternes. 93p.