2001 "Y" d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
Served blind, a bottle that had been kept in professional storage at Octavian since being bought en primeur but seemed much more mature than previous bottles. Deep orange-gold and obviously Yquem but surely an Yquem with some age on it? The greatest Yquem-lover at the table guessed in the 1960s, I suggested 1970s. No one realised it was as young as it was. Crème brûlée notes and a creamy texture with impeccable balance between the sweetness and freshness. A wonderful wine. (Drink between 2015-2045) 19/20 points (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A brilliant sweet wine that tops out on my scale, the 2001 Château D'Yquem is now fully mature yet still vibrant and pure, with an incredible nose of honeyed marmalade, caramelized tropical fruits, rising bread, marzipan, and lavender. Incredibly complex, full-bodied, and unctuous on the palate, it's one of those rare wines that can deliver incredible richness and decadence while staying pure, light on its feet, and perfectly balanced. A wine that every wine lover should taste once in their life, it should be just about immortal.
This has taken on a golden amber color, with fantastic intensity and complexity of aromas. Mushroom, candle wax, white truffle, chamomile, honey, vanilla bean, marmalade, smoke, toast, apricot and pineapple. Powerful, rich and intense, yet sharp and almost savory, demanding attention. Goes on and on. Drink or hold.
I know this is a great wine, and indeed have enjoyed it at this same table in Berry Bros & Rudd's boardroom once or twice before. But this bottle was not the freshest – though it exhibited extreme richness. (JR)
About the producer
The undisputed finest sweet wine in the world, Château d'Yquem is the only Premier Cru Supérieur estate in Sauternes, classified in 1855. With a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the château is entwined with that of the Lur-Saluces family – who remain involved today.