October 2025 2 Whites – Cellar

Chateau Guiraud ‘G’ Bordeaux Blanc Sec — a dry white Bordeaux from the respected Château Guiraud estate (better known for its Sauternes) that shows elegance, freshness, and texture typical of a Bordeaux blanc sec made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. 

🍷 Tasting Notes — Bordeaux Blanc Sec

Appearance:
Pale straw yellow with a subtle green gleam at the rim — bright and clear, signaling freshness in the glass. 

Nose (Aroma):
Lively aromatics with crisp green apple, lime zest, and citrus blossom, underpinned by gooseberry and passionfruit notes. Herbal hints of grass and subtle asparagus or grassy nuances add vineyard complexity, with delicate mineral and pencil-shaving nuances from lees aging. 

Palate (Taste):
Dry and refreshing, the palate opens with zesty citrus and green fruit, evolving into pear and subtle tropical fruit flavors. The Semillon brings mouthfeel volume and a slightly creamy, waxy texture, while Sauvignon Blanc gives crisp acidity and vibrancy. Balanced acidity keeps it bright and food-friendly. 

Finish:
The finish is clean and lingering, with persistent citrus, soft herbaceous notes, and a saline, savoury lift that extends the enjoyment. 

🍇 Style Summary

• Blend: Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon — the classic Bordeaux white combination. 
• Profile: Dry, fresh, medium-bodied with a nice interplay of fruit brightness and textural richness. 
• Acidity: Vibrant and crisp, balanced by the roundness from lees aging. 

🍽️ Food Pairings

Pairs particularly well with:

• Seafood (oysters, scallops, grilled fish)
• Shellfish in lemon or butter sauces
• Goat or fresh cheeses
• Light poultry dishes with herbs or citrus dressings

Bordeaux Blanc Sec like this is a versatile dry white — refreshing enough for an aperitif yet substantial enough to stand up to flavorful dishes.

OTIRA GLACIAL STONES 2024 SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC

SUMMARY

Named after the ancient glaciation period that formed this exceptional terroir, Otira is the purest expression of the stony soils found on the terraces of the estate. Formed 75,000 years ago, these free-draining soils result in wines with elegant minerality and excellent structure.

ORIGIN

• Sub Region: Wairau Valley
• Region: Marlborough
• Country: New Zealand
• Co-ordinates: -41.524236, 173.758762

VINTAGE

The growing period in 2024 had the ideal level of warmth, followed by a cooler season during veraison, which resulted in a slow and consistent ripening process. These conditions allowed for the gentle development of the vine’s physiological parameters, achieving finesse, age ability, and refinement in the fruit.

TASTING

Ripe aromatics with a delicate expression. Elderflower and clover honey add complexity to the lemonade apple flavors, which bloom across the gently pithy, dry palate. Finishing elegantly, 2024 offers finesse, focus, and freshness with a cool, citrusy acidity.

VITICULTURE

• Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
• Estate Grown: 100%
• Vine Age: 18 – 20 years
• Yield: 8 Tonnes/hectare
• Vine Density: 4,000 plants/ha
• Trellis: Double Guyot
• Farming: Dry farming and organic practices are used to ensure natural vine balance is achieved by stressing the vines just to the right level, forcing the roots to go deeper in the soil. The vineyard is planted in high density, which encourages competition and restrains vigor, resulting in concentrated berries.

VINIFICATION

Gentle pressing straight to the tank is used to retain the aromatic freshness of the wine. The use of press fractions separates free run from the hard pressings, preserving the elegance and finesse. Fermentation occurs in 85% stainless steel, while the remaining 15% is wild fermented in neutral French oak barrels and Austrian demi-muids (600L). The wine is aged on fine yeast lees for up to 9 months with lees stirring to obtain a round Sauvignon Blanc with body and richness. The wines age in tank prior to bottling and are released in the Autumn following their harvest.

• Residual Sugar: <2 g/L
• Alcohol: 14%
• Ageing Potential: 5-10 years

TERROIR

The parcel is sourced from the Otiran Glacial Stones parcel. This 75,000-year-old soil comprises Greywacke Stones that were deposited as the glacier retreated south towards the West Coast.

PAIRING

Serve with fresh line-caught fish such as snapper and cod, or pair with a goat’s cheese and fig tart.

CERTIFICATIONS

• AMW APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE CERTIFIED
• bio gro ORGANIC 5259

CONTACT

• Website: www.closhenri.com
• Address: 639 State Highway 63, RD1, Blenheim 7271, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Email: sales@closhenri.com
• Tel: +64 (0)3 572 7923