Château d’Yquem
With an undisputed reputation, Château d’Yquem is the world’s most famous sweet wine. Since 1855 it has stood alone as the only First Growth estate in Sauternes. Renowned for its complexity, d'Yquem is a hedonistic marriage of sweetness and acidity. Its kaleidoscopic array of flavours makes drinking this, at any stage of its evolution, one of life’s greatest pleasures.
2016 Ch d'Yquem 1er cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes New Released 14/09/2023
£1,699.24 Inc VAT £1,400.00 In Bond-
Goedhuis, April 2017, Score: 97-99
75% Sémillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc. A gorgeously bright gold. There is an intensity to the wine, not from sucrosity, but from the concentration and purity of fruit. There is a complex interplay of botrytis with the fresh fruit flavours of pineapple and mango, and a delicate orange blossom perfume, all pulled back by the zest of bitter orange on the palate. Wonderful. CP
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Neal Martin, April 2017, Score: 95-97
The 2016 Château d'Yquem was picked over four tries through the vineyard, commencing on 27 September and finishing on 4 November. The crucial pass through the vines took place between 18-22 October when over half the crop was picked. In fact, 75% of the crop was picked during the final two weeks of the harvest. It has 14.2% alcohol and a residual sugar level of 135 grams per liter, a pH of 3.80. A classic blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, it has a comparatively nuanced bouquet compared to Yquems that I have encountered at this stage. It opens gradually with light honeyed aromas, white flowers, apple blossom and just a touch of honeysuckle, although it does not possess the bravura personality of the astounding 2015. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, a subtle spice note leaving the mouth tingling. This is a fresh Yquem, tensile with moderate weight and delivering, perhaps belatedly, fine attack on the finish lined with subtle lemongrass notes. It will be interesting to plot the progress of this Yquem throughout its barrel maturation. This is an excellent Yquem no doubt, though I was missing that nerve, the labyrinthine complexity that can mark a top-tier Yquem even at this premature stage. I suspect that this will drink earlier than others, but age in a style only it knows. Drink Date 2021 - 2060
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Antonio Galloni, April 2017, Score: 94-97
The 2016 d'Yquem is a magical wine. It also looks like an Yquem that will drink well right out of the gate. Like so many of the better wines in this vintage, it manages to express richness while avoiding excess heaviness. Pineapple, orange marmalade, exotic flowers and spice all blossom in the glass. There is a real sense of phenolic richness and overall viscosity to the 2016 that adds to the wine's singular personality. The 135 grams of residual sugar are not especially evident. In 2016, the vineyard was harvested in four passes, but it was not until after the October rains that noble rot started to appear on the vine.
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Decanter, April 2017, Score: 97
Despite a rich botrytis character, this balances impact with delicacy. Clear citrus on the nose with a hint of flint and smoke, allowing the soft white flowers and lime blossom to steal up on you slowly. There are caramel notes through the mid-palate and great persistency, as ever. Extremely elegant. This was the driest summer since 1898, and the harvest at Yquem lasted a full two months, from 4th September (for the dry white Y d'Yquem) through to 4th November for the final selection of botrytis berries. The final yield is 20hl/ha, the highest in recent years against their average of 9hl/ha, with 40% going into the grand vin compared to 50% last year. 135g/l residual sugar and 3.9pH. 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. The 2015 will be released this September.
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Matthew Jukes, April 2017, Score: 19.5+++
With a nose twice as intense as any of the other wines in this region this year, this is a magnificent and bombastic Yquem. The fruit is lush and honeyed and while all of the lemon and honey notes line up in perfect harmony it is the monstrous acidity and sheer size of this wine which make it so arresting. I have not seen such a rich wine balanced by such severe acidity before. Extraordinary. While this is going to clearly live forever I wonder if it will not start to drink this side of 2040! The botrytis came on very slowly and this gave rise to the lemon and white flower notes as opposed to fast botrytis which results in tropical fruit. The cool nights fixed the acidity and this never fell away. Amazing.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2017, Score: 18.5+
Four different pickings, first one dried. Deep gold. Fragrant and luscious. Round and dried fruits. Real lift on the nose but massive depth too. This is definitely the cream of the 2016 Sauternes crop! Drink 2025-2050
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Tim Atkin, April 2017, Score: 96
This is very good rather than a great Yquem, but that still makes it a very special Sauternes. The botrytis came late, so this is not an especially exotic or decadent wine, with 135 grams of sugar, plenty of citrus and grapefruit acidity, some nectarine and white peach notes and a dusting of vanilla spice. 2022-32
2015 Ch d'Yquem 1er cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£1,783.24 Inc VAT £1,470.00 In Bond-
Goedhuis, April 2016, Score: 98-100
Shining lemon yellow colour, this is full of abundant tropical fruits, guava and melons, leading into subtle flavours of honey, toffee and caramelised peaches. Intoxicatingly perfumed, it has an unmatched purity. It delivers everything a step above its neighbours, showing its peerless beauty. Deliciously textured, with cascading layers, while the vital balancing acidity ensures it is not excessively sweet.
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Neal Martin, July 2019, Score: 94+
The 2015 d'Yquem feels a little disjointed on the nose at first, but it coalesces nicely to reveal smoke, dried honey, saffron and orange rind aromas. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening, the acidity nicely judged with lime, orange rind and quince toward the finish that shuts down quickly. Some readers may be surprised by my score, but Yquem often closes down and consequently suffers in blind tastings like this. It will surely come back but it will need cellaring to show its rip-roaring best. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
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Neal Martin, April 2016, Score: 98-100
The 2015 Château d'Yquem is a blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc that was picked on the gravelly soils as early as 3 and 4 September until 21 October, four tries through the vineyard. It delivers 144 grams per liter of residual sugar, with six-grams of tartaric acid, a pH 3.65 and 13.9% alcohol. It has a show-stopping bouquet that is beautifully defined and very complex and exuberant, infused with greater mineralité than recent vintages - intense but not as flamboyant as say the 2009 Yquem at this stage. The palate boasts absolutely stunning balance. This is a Yquem without a hair out of place: fantastically pure, botrytised fruit caressing the mouth. That is as per normal. What distinguishes this Yquem is the sense of electricity that is imbued by that razor-sharp acidity. There is just unbelievably tension here and to be frank, there is little point in me continuing to write this note, because it is simply an astonishing Yquem that will rank alongside the 2001 and 2009. Drink: 2028 - 2090
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James Suckling, April 2016, Score: 99-100
This is an incredible young Yquem that is so vinous like a great vintage of Montrachet but then on the palate it turns to Yquem with spice, dried fruit and mushroom as well as sweet fruit. Last for minutes. Acidity is all there giving it a dynamic vibrance that jolts your senses. Special wine. It has a little more than than 140 grams of residual sugar, less than the legendary of 2001. But is very close in greatness. Let’s wait and see.
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Decanter, April 2016, Score: 95
About 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. Very pure, intense aromas and flavours of peach, lemon curd, tangerine and marmalade botrytis notes. Boasts 144g/l sugar and 6.2 g/l total acidity. Very pure, long and racy rather than rich. It doesn’t have the power of 2001 or 2009, nor the freshness of 2011 or 2014, but it is a great wine in the making. If the vintage allows, I’d go back to an 80%/20% Sem-Sauv blend to get back a little of that magical d’Yquem richness.
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Matthew Jukes, April 2016, Score: 19.5++
(75 Semillon, 25 Sauvignon Blanc) | 13.9% alc. | 144 g/l residual sugar. The nose is thrillingly piercing with intense citrus notes and a volume of scent which is arresting. There is power here and fascinating tension between the richness of sugar and powerful acidity - thanks to the cool temperatures in August and September. One of the hallmarks of Yquem’s potential is the control and lack of unnecessary exuberance in its youth. This is buttoned up and fastened down and the power, while yearning to be released, will not emerge for a long time to come. This is a seriously good Yquem.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2016, Score: 19
Mid gold. Very direct and glossy. Edge of veg and toast. Real tension! Tense pear juice with lots of grip and attack. Lots of acidity as well as all that sugar. Really energetic. Long. Amazing persistence. So neat. Real attack. Massive apparent acidity. 13.9% Drink 2027-2055
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Tim Atkin, May 2016, Score: 98
The vintage at Yquem was the earliest since 1893, starting on the 3rd of September and continuing for another seven weeks. The result is one of the best ever wines from the château, combining exotic flavours of pineapple, tangerine and mango underpinned by a core of acidity and scented vanilla oak. Every bit as good as 2001, 2009 and 2014. Drink: 2020-36
2013 Ch d'Yquem 1er Cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£740.00 In Bond £897.61 Inc VAT-
Goedhuis, Septmeber 2015, Score: 98
Unquestionably the sweet wine of the vintage, for the delicious sauternes in 2013. This is everything one expects from the appellation’s greatest estate. Beautifully plump, generous and gracious, this has an amazing volume of fruit with its silky honeyed sweetness, that is always such a characteristic of this extraordinary estate’s wine. Bright pure flavours of apricots and oranges, thishas a beautifully viscous feel, without excess. The soft crisp acidity provides for real life and style on the finish. Delicious length and huge class.
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Goedhuis, April 2014, Score: 96-98
For many tasters this was the wine of the vintage. Beautifully plump, generous and gracious, this has an amazing volume of fruit with its silky honeyed sweetness. With bright pure flavours of apricots and oranges, this has a beautifully viscous feel, without excess. The soft crisp acidity provides for real life and style on the finish. Delicious length.
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Neal Martin, April 2014, Score: 95-97
Firstly, you notice the color, which is a touch deeper than recent vintages at this stage. The bouquet is quite honeyed and rich for Yquem at this early juncture, with subtle scents of peach skin, white flowers, and a puff of chalk and frangipane. The palate is viscous on the entry, all about the texture at first, coating the mouth with luscious botrytized fruit. There are touches of Seville orange marmalade, fresh apricot, a hint of spice and passion fruit. This is imbued with impressive depth and weight, perhaps an Yquem that is determined to make an impression after last year-s absence. It might not possess the finesse of a top flight Yquem, but it has immense power and persistency.
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Matthew Jukes, April 2014, Score: 18.5+
Cool weather followed by hot weather and then muggy weather = perfect botrytis. Yquem has the benefit of maturing on the vine fairly early so they managed to get the grapes harvested in between each downpour and before the rain set in for good. This is a very typical botrytised style of Yquem but there is also very strident acidity on board thanks to the high acid and percentage of Sauvignon of it has incredible lime juice freshness and lift. While not as classic as ’09, ’10 or ’11 this is still a lovely wine with a very long future ahead of it. They declassified 60% of the harvest and only made 80000 bottles. This is a very good, but not exceptional Yquem with green pineapple, wild flower and barely sugar notes all infused into a lime chassis. This is certainly one of the wines of the vintage.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2014, Score: 19+
Pale gold – not as lustrous, perhaps, as you’d expect. Really intense nose – no shortcomings apparent here, the flavours are pure and complex and compelling. Marmalade, lime juice, treacle tart and a savoury note too – mushroom, mint, menthol. Beautiful elegance on the palate – wonderful sweetness with precise acidity. (RH)
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Tim Atkin, May 2014, Score: 96
The leading Sauternes in 2013 (as it should be, given its price tag) and one of the best Yquems since 2001, partly justifying the claims by producers and négociants for the sweet wine vintage. Aromatic and pure, with botrytis-derived notes of peach, marmalade and apricot, vanilla oak and a long, harmonious finish, with 30% Sauvignon adding freshness. 2016-35
2014 Ch d'Yquem 1er cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£442.80 Inc VAT £365.00 In Bond-
Goedhuis, April 2015, Score: 95-97
Bright golden yellow colour, this has a wonderful array of tropical fruits; mango, peaches and acacia honey. A wine which jumps out of the glass at you. It is so opulent and giving, balancing natural sweetness with a delicious drive of freshness.
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Neal Martin, April 2015, Score: 96-98
The Château Yquem 2014 was picked over 9 weeks this year, with one-quarter of the grapes picked prior to 15 September. It delivers 134 grams per liter residual sugar and 7.3 grams per liter tartaric acid, with a pH 3.60. It has a captivating bouquet (I know...I know...what else were you expecting) But it entrances with its pure, wild honey notes mixed with almond and white chocolate scents, bestowed with beguiling delineation and focus. The palate is very poised with the acidity nigh on perfect. Occasionally an Yquem only reveals its components parts at this early juncture, necessitates conjecture. However the 2014 has a sense of harmony and completeness already, as if the élevage is merely there to usher it on to its finished state. There is undeniably great depth here, perhaps less conspicuous than other vintages because of that silver thread of acidity: notes of lemon sherbet, orange zest, shaved ginger and again, a few "flakes' of white chocolate. It is extremely long with tenderness rather than power on the finish. It's not quite up there in the rarefied heights of say, the 2001 or 2009, but it is what we call in the trade, "the business."
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James Suckling, March 2015, Score: 97-98
A crazy combination of botrytis, dried fruits and freshness. It's not the sweetness Yquem but it has an extraordinary depth of fruit and freshness. It goes on for minutes. Spicy and intense. A stunning young wine. A brightness and fabulous depth of fruit.
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Decanter, April 2015, Score: 97
Utterly great Yquem. A laser beam of acidity (3.6 pH) and lemony botrytis lifts and extends extremely pure aromas and sweet flavours (134 g/L of residual sugar) of tangerine, vanilla, pineapple and minerals. Less rich than the 2001 and '09, but purer and fresher. I wonder if 25% Sauvignon Blanc isn't just 5% too much? Drink: 2022-2075
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Matthew Jukes, May 2015, Score: 19+
(75 Semillon, 25 Sauvignon Blanc) | 13.4% alc. | 134 g/L residual sugar. This wine parades an incredibly fresh nose of pineapple, lemon blossom and white flowers. The depth and richness builds immediately on the palate and is a shock after the quiet nose. It leaps into action and delivers a massively concentrated wave of sour lemon and lush, creamy fruit. The acidity is very refreshing and lively and the staggering sweetness is stopped in its tracks. Like the 2007 and 1997 this is a superbly invigorating and cleansing Yquem on account of the cooler summer and the tighter frame means that it will age well in spite of looking so ravishing already.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2015, Score: 19
Everything was very early, although they are always a week earlier at Yquem. Harvest started on 8 October with grapes slightly dried as well as botrytised. These grapes gave great freshness. They picked up until 28 October thanks to at least three botrytis infections. 15% passerillé grapes. TA 4.9 g/l (= 7.5 g/l expressed as tartaric) – a record. RS 135 g/l. Bright gold with a green note. Intense freshness on the nose. Fabulous nose of richness and freshness. The residual sugar is not high but the balance is great. Lime and pears and great richness and almost like a fruit juice, it’s so refreshing yet dense and sweet. 13.35% Drink 2020-2050
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Wine Spectator, March 2015, Score: 96-99
This is beguiling, with acacia, jasmine and honeysuckle notes leading the way, followed by refined peach, tangerine and yellow apple fruit flavors. Very long, with a lemon chiffon note lingering delicately. Tasted non-blind.
2016 Ch d'Yquem 1er cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£1,699.24 Inc VAT £1,400.00 In Bond-
Goedhuis, April 2017, Score: 97-99
75% Sémillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc. A gorgeously bright gold. There is an intensity to the wine, not from sucrosity, but from the concentration and purity of fruit. There is a complex interplay of botrytis with the fresh fruit flavours of pineapple and mango, and a delicate orange blossom perfume, all pulled back by the zest of bitter orange on the palate. Wonderful. CP
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Neal Martin, April 2017, Score: 95-97
The 2016 Château d'Yquem was picked over four tries through the vineyard, commencing on 27 September and finishing on 4 November. The crucial pass through the vines took place between 18-22 October when over half the crop was picked. In fact, 75% of the crop was picked during the final two weeks of the harvest. It has 14.2% alcohol and a residual sugar level of 135 grams per liter, a pH of 3.80. A classic blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, it has a comparatively nuanced bouquet compared to Yquems that I have encountered at this stage. It opens gradually with light honeyed aromas, white flowers, apple blossom and just a touch of honeysuckle, although it does not possess the bravura personality of the astounding 2015. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, a subtle spice note leaving the mouth tingling. This is a fresh Yquem, tensile with moderate weight and delivering, perhaps belatedly, fine attack on the finish lined with subtle lemongrass notes. It will be interesting to plot the progress of this Yquem throughout its barrel maturation. This is an excellent Yquem no doubt, though I was missing that nerve, the labyrinthine complexity that can mark a top-tier Yquem even at this premature stage. I suspect that this will drink earlier than others, but age in a style only it knows. Drink Date 2021 - 2060
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Antonio Galloni, April 2017, Score: 94-97
The 2016 d'Yquem is a magical wine. It also looks like an Yquem that will drink well right out of the gate. Like so many of the better wines in this vintage, it manages to express richness while avoiding excess heaviness. Pineapple, orange marmalade, exotic flowers and spice all blossom in the glass. There is a real sense of phenolic richness and overall viscosity to the 2016 that adds to the wine's singular personality. The 135 grams of residual sugar are not especially evident. In 2016, the vineyard was harvested in four passes, but it was not until after the October rains that noble rot started to appear on the vine.
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Decanter, April 2017, Score: 97
Despite a rich botrytis character, this balances impact with delicacy. Clear citrus on the nose with a hint of flint and smoke, allowing the soft white flowers and lime blossom to steal up on you slowly. There are caramel notes through the mid-palate and great persistency, as ever. Extremely elegant. This was the driest summer since 1898, and the harvest at Yquem lasted a full two months, from 4th September (for the dry white Y d'Yquem) through to 4th November for the final selection of botrytis berries. The final yield is 20hl/ha, the highest in recent years against their average of 9hl/ha, with 40% going into the grand vin compared to 50% last year. 135g/l residual sugar and 3.9pH. 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. The 2015 will be released this September.
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Matthew Jukes, April 2017, Score: 19.5+++
With a nose twice as intense as any of the other wines in this region this year, this is a magnificent and bombastic Yquem. The fruit is lush and honeyed and while all of the lemon and honey notes line up in perfect harmony it is the monstrous acidity and sheer size of this wine which make it so arresting. I have not seen such a rich wine balanced by such severe acidity before. Extraordinary. While this is going to clearly live forever I wonder if it will not start to drink this side of 2040! The botrytis came on very slowly and this gave rise to the lemon and white flower notes as opposed to fast botrytis which results in tropical fruit. The cool nights fixed the acidity and this never fell away. Amazing.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2017, Score: 18.5+
Four different pickings, first one dried. Deep gold. Fragrant and luscious. Round and dried fruits. Real lift on the nose but massive depth too. This is definitely the cream of the 2016 Sauternes crop! Drink 2025-2050
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Tim Atkin, April 2017, Score: 96
This is very good rather than a great Yquem, but that still makes it a very special Sauternes. The botrytis came late, so this is not an especially exotic or decadent wine, with 135 grams of sugar, plenty of citrus and grapefruit acidity, some nectarine and white peach notes and a dusting of vanilla spice. 2022-32
2003 Ch d'Yquem 1er Cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£1,669.24 Inc VAT £1,375.00 In Bond-
Goedhuis, January 2007
Unusually and no doubt due to the atypical vintage conditions, the grapes for this wine were picked in one go rather than in mulitple "tries". As a result, its complexity comes from the terroir, rather than the individual grapes. 2003 was particularly sucessful at Yquem. Wonderfully rich and dense, this nectar-like wine offers enticing aromatics of quince, pineapple, honey and spice that unfold on a surprisingly balanced palate. Finishes on freshness. Though it could be drunk now, it would benefit from a couple year's cellaring. It is probably not meant for the long haul. Drink 2007 - 2020+.
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Jancis Robinson, November 2007, Score: 18
A very atypical wine. Light to mid gold. Light but clean and ripe pear juice nose. Very sweet and already a little bit hot. Some spicy gingerbread quality. Very forward for Yquem.
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Wine Spectator, December 2006, Score: 98
Subtle and racy, with lemon rind, vanilla cream and dried pineapple. Very spicy and intense. Full-bodied, with great length and flavor. Electrified yet refined, with medium sweetness and a wonderful finish. I love the class of this, and the length. Has afterburners. Best after 2010. -JS
2002 Ch d'Yquem 1er Cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£1,759.24 Inc VAT £1,450.00 In Bond-
Jancis Robinson, March 2006, Score: 18
Young Sauternes often reminds me of pear juice and this wine, tasted from a half bottle just couriered from Bordeaux, was like nothing more than the healthiest, cleanest pear juice. Pale gold with a slightly greener tinge than most young Yquem. Very fresh, long and deep-flavoured this wine has that ingredient X that Yquem always seems to manage, but this is certainly not one of the sweetest or most intense Yquems. It is certainly greater than any other 2002 sweet white bordeaux I remember tasting, with the strongly possible exception of Climens, but is almost spookily open for a recently-bottled Yquem. There´s the merest hint of astringency on the finish still but this wine could be enjoyed in its relatively simple youth.
1998 Ch d'Yquem 1er Cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£1,819.24 Inc VAT £1,500.00 In Bond £1,450.00 In Bond £1,759.24 Inc VAT-
Robert Parker, October 2003, Score: 95
The 1998 Chateau Yquem was released several months ago. This estate does not allow tasting from cask (where the wine spends 42 months), and it is not released until five years after the vintage. The 1998 Yquem (95 points) is a great success. Made in an elegant style, it is not a blockbuster such as 1990, 1989, and 1988. It is well-delineated, with wonderfully sweet aromas of creme brulee, pineapples, apricots, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it is not as sweet as the biggest/richest Yquem vintages, but it is gorgeously pure, precise, and strikingly complex. Already approachable, it should evolve for 30-50 years ... without a doubt. Drink: 2003-2053.
2008 Ch d'Yquem 1er Cru Classé Supérieur Sauternes
£1,909.24 Inc VAT £1,575.00 In Bond-
Neal Martin, February 2012, Score: 96
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Neal Martin, May 2011, Score: 96
The 2008 Yquem, now in bottle, has a nuanced bouquet, with scents of clear honey, lime flower, vanilla and orange blossom that is beautifully defined. The palate is very harmonious on the entry, with a fine thread of acidity, tense and full of energy like the 2010 tasted alongside, with notes of white peach, citrus lemon, clear honey and a hint of quince. Long and persistent on the finish, this is a very fine Yquem that might be over-looked between the 2007 and 2009, but is a superb Sauternes in its own right. Drink 2014-2050.
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Neal Martin, April 2009, Score: 95-97
Coming in with 139 degrees residual sugar and a pH of 4.75, this is an Yquem that is unequivocally top of the pile in 2008. A light straw color with green tints in the glass. The bouquet is just wonderful, very perfumed with aromas of apricot, acacia honey and white flowers. A degree less clarity than the 2007, but perhaps more nuanced, more honeyed. The palate is a little more viscous than the 2007, lacquers the mouth with honey, apricot and orange zest. Very harmonious, the finish vibrant and edgy, real tension and energy in this Yquem. Very focused on the finish – not the “peacocks” tail of flavors that one finds on truly great vintages. But there is a surreal level of elegance and poise – an understated Yquem that should age effortlessly and returning to the glass it graces you with hints of almond and a dash of spice. In 2008, the king is king. P.S. RMP rated this blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon (94-96)
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Robert Parker
Coming in with 139 degrees residual sugar and a pH of 4.75, this is an Yquem that is unequivocally top of the pile in 2008. A light straw color with green tints in the glass. The bouquet is just wonderful, very perfumed with aromas of apricot, acacia honey and white flowers. A degree less clarity than the 2007, but perhaps more nuanced, more honeyed. The palate is a little more viscous than the 2007, lacquers the mouth with honey, apricot and orange zest. Very harmonious, the finish vibrant and edgy, real tension and energy in this Yquem. Very focused on the finish – not the “peacocks” tail of flavors that one finds on truly great vintages. But there is a surreal level of elegance and poise – an understated Yquem that should age effortlessly and returning to the glass it graces you with hints of almond and a dash of spice. In 2008, the king is king.
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Robert Parker
Coming in with 139 degrees residual sugar and a pH of 4.75, this is an Yquem that is unequivocally top of the pile in 2008. A light straw color with green tints in the glass. The bouquet is just wonderful, very perfumed with aromas of apricot, acacia honey and white flowers. A degree less clarity than the 2007, but perhaps more nuanced, more honeyed. The palate is a little more viscous than the 2007, lacquers the mouth with honey, apricot and orange zest. Very harmonious, the finish vibrant and edgy, real tension and energy in this Yquem. Very focused on the finish – not the “peacocks” tail of flavors that one finds on truly great vintages. But there is a surreal level of elegance and poise – an understated Yquem that should age effortlessly and returning to the glass it graces you with hints of almond and a dash of spice. In 2008, the king is king.
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Wine Advocate, April 2009, Score: 95-97
Coming in with 139 degrees residual sugar and a pH of 4.75, this is an Yquem that is unequivocally top of the pile in 2008. A light straw color with green tints in the glass. The bouquet is just wonderful, very perfumed with aromas of apricot, acacia honey and white flowers. A degree less clarity than the 2007, but perhaps more nuanced, more honeyed. The palate is a little more viscous than the 2007, lacquers the mouth with honey, apricot and orange zest. Very harmonious, the finish vibrant and edgy, real tension and energy in this Yquem. Very focused on the finish - not the "peacocks" tail of flavors that one finds on truly great vintages. But there is a surreal level of elegance and poise - an understated Yquem that should age effortlessly and returning to the glass it graces you with hints of almond and a dash of spice. In 2008, the king is king. P.S. RMP rated this blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon (94-96)
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Jancis Robinson, April 2009, Score: 18
Quiet on the nose. More spiced pear and apricot than orange. Lovely concentration. Spiced power, depth and quite warm on the finish. Fresh in a powerful rather than a delicate way. Dense and long. Rich and well integrated oak though there's lots of spice all the way through. A less delicate style than many in this vintage. (JH)
