Masterclass in San Francisco with Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite. Chateau Rieussec is another property that the Rothschild’s own.
1997 a difficult vintage for reds in Bordeaux. The upside is, when the reds lag, the whites almost always shine.
The nose shows; marmalade, dry peaches & apricots, pineapple, citrus blend, fresh orange peel, burnt almonds, almond cake, nut skin, burnt toffee, honey, caramel, beeswax, waxiness, toast, limestone, gravely stones, fruit blossoms and yellow florals.
The body is thick, gluey and rich. The mouthfeel magnificent. There is almost a dry tannin presence but it is it’s dry, gritty volcanic minerality, marmalade, dry peaches & apricots, pineapple, citrus blend, fresh orange peel, burnt almonds, almond cake, nut skin, burnt toffee, honey, caramel, beeswax, waxiness, toast, limestone, gravely stones, fruit blossoms and yellow florals. The acidity round and splendid. The finish is rich, well balanced, elegant, polished and delicious.
All wines arrived weeks ago directly from the Chateau.
Photos of; the Crown Room on the 23rd floor of the Fairmont where the Masterclass was held, glass of 1997 showing color, Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite presenting and another view of the city of San Francisco/Bay and the Golden Gate Bride in the background.
— 6 years ago

Light and yes a bit fruity. Nice wine with salmon and yes cheese cake. — 9 years ago
Red berry with lots of tannin. This inexpensive label produces dependably good quality wine. — 9 years ago
Smooth but with a nice spice. Long finish. Not too oaky. — 9 years ago
Fruity, full body, live it — 9 years ago
Oldie but a goodie — 6 years ago
Having my dessert first. Co-fermented field blend of Alsatian varietals. Viscous texture, plenty of sweet flavors of course but not to the point of being cloying. Honey cake, dried apricot, orange, acacia, a little petrol and botrytis, acid is not front and center but playing a strong supporting role to hold things together — 7 years ago
This was a nice surprise. Summery and tropical, sweeter than I expected but tonight that was perfect. Nice with salty grilled prosciutto-wrapped chicken, roasted potatoes, baby greens, and grilled pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream. — 8 years ago
Great hints of spice, mocha and chocolate. Enjoyed it so much I finished it and needed a second bottle! Haha — 9 years ago
Smooth and spicy. Great with a steak and chimichurri Sauce. Affordable. Dark currant and tobacco. Let it breathe. — 9 years ago
For a healer wine, this is pretty smooth. Had a fruity finish. — 9 years ago
Perfect with my steak & shrimp dinner! Not sweet at all (which is normally what I look for in wine).. I’m sure I’d be told to serve warm but wine for me must be cold. I’ll buy again for compliments to my meals. Could even see sipping it for a nightcap on cool nights. — 6 years ago
Went amazingly with spicy Mexican. Would buy again, and would recommend. — 6 years ago
For desert, which I forgot to snap a photo, we had Jenny’s Toasted Almond Sponge Cake with Housemade Citrus Marmalade & Toasted Swiss Meringue. The 2001 Chateau Guiraud was drinking nicely but will continue to develop for another 20 years plus. Beautiful fresh & dried stone fruits; apricots, peach, orange citrus, nectarines & pineapple. Marmalade, honey, nuts with skin, lovely round acidity, beautifully soft integrated minerality and rich polished finish. — 8 years ago
2015 - $12.99 on sale at Safeway; bright bouquet, light body and not too oaky finish; very easy drinking; could be the reasonably priced daily Chard. — 8 years ago
Sitting on the roof watching the sunset. This wine has a nice aftertaste cherryish and a slight hint of chocolate. Its smooth and refreshing, I will drink it again. — 9 years ago
Perfection. Christmas cake. Yes. — 9 years ago
An absolute baby, yet to even stretch its legs. Orange cake drizzled in sugar syrup, fig and some bready notes too. Big mouthfeel and quite expansive on the palate. — 9 years ago
Amit Kumar
like a neighbor with a seductive surprise...
like strawberry on a summer evening...
its like wow, where did you come from...
is that juniper is smell...oh who cares?
great wine... — 6 years ago