France · Bordeaux

Chateau Guiraud

Château Guiraud is one of Sauternes' most significant estates, holding Premier Cru Classé status since the 1855 Classification alongside Château d'Yquem. Located in Sauternes itself—a geographical distinction from many other classified properties in Barsac—the château produces wine from 100 hectares under vine, with an unusually high proportion of Sauvignon Blanc (35%) alongside Sémillon (65%). Guiraud was converted to certified organic viticulture in 2011 after acquisition by a group including actor Stéphane Guillon and négociant Xavier Planty, making it Sauternes' first organic Premier Cru Classé. The Petit Guiraud—the estate's second wine, declassified in 2009—accounts for 125 of the 175 auction lots at an average of $111, with the 2001 vintage most frequently traded. The full Château Guiraud Premier Cru appears in fewer auction lots but reaches individual prices as high as $1,220. The third label Le G de Château Guiraud averages $14 across 25 lots. Overall portfolio average of $83 reflects second-wine dominance in lot counts. The estate is notable for the elegance and freshness its Sauvignon Blanc proportion contributes to wines that are often built for earlier consumption than d'Yquem or Rieussec.