Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Chateau Guiraud is mainly known for amazing Sauternes terroir-driven (botrytis-styled) wines, natural vineyards and very jealous preserving the genetic sources of its grape varieties.
This 2020 vintage was released to honor its 10th anniversary of being AB (“Agriculture Biologique”) certified, and also was a very good year for a great white wine.
An outstanding blend of Sauvignon blanc 70%, Sémillon 30%, with an unique vilification process; fermentation was for 3 weeks in barrels having previously been used for the vinification of its flagship Sauternes and underwent through MLF at 35%, and aging in barrels for 12 months.
The nose welcomes all baked tropical fruits and very distant hint of white flowers. As for tasting, a very rich and texturized white with gentle acidity and creamy lemon zest with an impressive silky mouthfeel, it also has a subtle astringency with undertones of delicacy towards the back-end of the palate.
This wine seats next to my most preferred complex, age-worthy whites as Gran Vin de Bordeaux. Salute! — 9 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

2022 vintage. 62% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense raspberry fruit and subtle spices in a velvety tannic structure. Serious length too. Terrific value. Ab. 14%. — 7 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

2004 not the greatest Bordeaux vintage on record. Lascombes faired a bit better than norm. Paired with AB Lamb Lollipops.

The palate is round and lush. Ruby fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, strawberries, hints of purple & blue fruits. Round, semi-sweet lead pencil, charcoal, mixed mid berry cola, moist clay, sandstone, sandalwood, dark rich soil, dry riverstone, dark withering florals, excellent, round acidity and a well balanced, structured, nice tensioned, polished finish that lasts 90 seconds. Has another 10-15 years of good sipping properly stored. — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2016 vintage. Cantemerle is always a good idea if you want value for money. Like many left bank Bordeaux in this great vintage, it tends to close down a bit, so give it some time in the glass or decant. The nose slowly develops after an hour, with a mix of black and red fruit, classy cedar notes, and flowers. As usual, it's all about elegance, but it doesn't lack power either. Still needs a few more years to reveal all its complexity, but very good already. Ab. 13%. — 4 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.7

2009 vintage. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. This estate has an impressive track record of high quality, even before it was bought by the Bernard family. Olivier Bernard managed to considerably expand the vineyards without compromising the quality of the wine, which is one my favourites. Unfortunately they use 100% Diam corks these days, which sadly stopped me from buying the wines. Anyway, this deeply coloured 2009 is a beauty that starts to shine with only 5 minutes in the glass. Impressive aromatics of black fruit, cedar wood, dark chocolate, vanilla, subtle spices and delicate floral hints. In the mouth it is extremely elegant and effortless, with everything in the right place. Exquisite balance with layered, perfectly ripe ( but not jammy) black fruit, embedded in a solid ripe tannic structure, and a very, very long finish. Everything falls into place, nothing is overdone, absolutely impressive, even if I believe it hasn't even reached its peak yet. This should age effortlessly for decades. Ab. 13,5%. — 6 months ago

Aaron Tan

9.2

Bwah! What can I say? Olivier just makes wines that I’m incredibly fond of and this was no exception. For me, the Lamy Bourgogne punches assuredly above its weight class (though proper AB comparisons are still in order to validate this). It’s just the detail and intensity that gets to me. Soars in the glass with aromas of citrus, green apple, iodine, and a touch of herbaceous elements. The flavours follow through to the palate with mind-boggling delineation. Pure, bracing, weighty, long, and so so chalky that even the most seasoned of taster might call this a Chablis. Damn it, I need more! I certainly put the entire table onto these wines with this pull - the perfect gateway drug to the world of Lamy. — 3 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2022 vintage. First vintage under Lorenzetti ownership. Oak dominating initially, needs a few hours to open up. Concentrated black fruit with serious oak influence. Lots of potential, but doesn't have the charm of the 2020 today. Ab. 14,,5% — 6 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.6

2014 vintage. What a wine! This vintage combines abundant botrytis with exceptional freshness. Intense perfume with fresh pineapple, honey and lemon confit. Impressive depth and complexity, with layers of both fresh and dried exotic fruit, balanced by extraordinary acidity, keeping it juicy and elegant. Very, very long too. Even at twice the price this would be incredible value. Ab. 13,5%. — 6 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 vintage. Dark red, much deeper colour than usual for this estate. Marie-Laure Lurton seems to have gone for a bit more extraction in this exceptional vintage. More powerful than usual, with a fresh black fruit personality,embedded in a tight, ripe tannic structure. Serious length too. Decanting recommended,as it showed better the next day. Ab. 14%. — 7 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

A great follow up to the 05 Joanin Becot which was amazing. Bordeaux and then Napa with AB Cover Ribs. The right order. Overall the 2010 Napa vintage is so much better than critics gave it young. An amazing night of friends, environment, music, food and wine. The wines were are outstanding. @ChateauIsbel — 2 years ago