Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2005

97 points James Suckling

 This appears to be the synthesis of the fabulous 2001 and 2003. It shows wonderful aromas of botrytis spice, honey and citrus rind. Lots of fruit with a tropical fruit undertone of mango and papaya on the palate. Intense finish. Too excellent not to drink. 

97 points Wine Spectator

 Delivers lots of botrytis spice, with lemon tart and cooked apple. Full-bodied, with loads of cream and vanilla and an intense tropical fruit and honey aftertaste. Long and viscous, with a layered and beautiful spicy finish. Hard not to drink it now. *#4 Top 100 of 2008

95 points Wine & Spirits

 Seething with power, there's baritone richness to this wine's complex fruit, a deeper tone to the surface of honey and citrus. It feels clean, fresh and bright, the structure holding the wine's complexity tight for now, waiting to release it with age.

95 points Wine Enthusiast

Typical of the huge power of Guiraud, this is one of the richest Sauternes in 2005. The wine is rich and intense, the dry edge of botrytis just dominating the sweetness. Flavors of honey, almonds and peaches give the wine extra complexity. *Wine Enthusiast Best of 2008* (RV) 

92 points Wine Advocate

 Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 Château Guiraud has a rich nose of dried honey, orange blossom and buttercup that is nicely defined but does not quite have the intensity of the best Sauternes 05s. The palate is fresh and lithe on the entry, smooth and honeyed both in taste and texture with a long orange zest, vanilla and almond finish that is sensual and persistent. It meliorates in the glass, forages more zest and vitality, so don’t be afraid to aerate/decant this for an hour or two. 

92 points Int'l Wine Cellar

 Full golden-yellow. Orange oil, clove, ginger, mint and minerals on the perfumed, vibrant noise. Superrich but juicy and vibrant, with an exotic hint to the fresh apricot and peach flavors. This boasts an exhilarating sugar/acid balance and finishes with terrific life and grip. Lafaurie-Peyraguey. (ST) 92+  (7/2008)

92 points The Wine Independent

 Medium to deep straw-gold in color, the 2005 Guiraud leaps with dried apples and peach preserves with hints of hay, marzipan, and lemongrass. It has fantastic tension delivering vibrancy to the rich, savory mouth, finishing long and honeyed. (LPB)