2001 d'Yquem

There are 10,000 cases of this perfect sweet white Bordeaux. The 2001 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically, with airing, it offers up honeyed tropical fruit, orange marmalade, pineapple, sweet creme brulee, and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth, it is full-bodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scaled, youthful Yquem appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past, and will age effortlessly for 75+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2100+.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #158, Apr 2005)

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. The nose is very tight at first with scents of dried honey, yellow flowers and melted butter with fine definition: very complex and cerebral. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant, zesty entry, good acidity with apricot, orange zest and white peach towards the well defined finish. Exquisite balance and poise although it needs years in bottle. Tasted March 2011.

– eRobertParker.com, May 2011

This is the greatest young Yquem I have ever tasted from bottle. Yellow color with a golden hue and an almost green tint. It shows intense aromas of botrytis with spices and blanched almonds that follow through to honey, maple syrup, dried apricots and pineapples. Full-bodied and very sweet, it is thick and powerful with layers of fruit and a bright finish. It coats your palate, yet remains lively and exciting. It is wonderfully balanced and refined, showing the class and pedigree that only this Sauternes estate can deliver. The winemakers at Yquem says it's their greatest modern wine ever. They have not exaggerated. This is best to drink after 2012.

Quality 999 | Brand 999 | Economics 900 | buzz brand
Quality: Predicted life of 41 years, one of the longest drinking windows in its peer group for the 2001 vintage, which averages 18 years Brand: #2 strongest restaurant presence on Wine Lister, featuring on 61 of the world's top wine lists, including Quay Economics: More traded at auction than its peers, its top 5 vintages having seen 1,727 75cl equivalent bottles traded in the past year Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 36,211 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017