Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 100
Just weeks after tasting the 2001 Chateau d Yquem at the estate, another bottle was served at a lunch in London and it was perfection. The aromatics are practically identical and likewise the palate, but this bottle, which had been decanted, displays a scintilla more tension, perhaps more "vibrancy" that so effortlessly counterbalances the richness. Irrespective of points, it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2100
Wine Advocate 100
I have had the very good fortune to taste the 2001 d’Yquem perhaps a dozen times since its release and have never been less than absolutely floored by its combination of poise, purity, precision and layer upon intricate, jaw-dropping layer of flavor nuances. It is among a very small clutch of incredible wines that crash through the 100-point ceiling and rocket beyond the stratosphere! A testament to that magic that can be created when an uncommonly great vintage for Sauternes brings out the best of an extraordinary vineyard and is skillfully, sensitively crafted, the 2001 is a true wine rarity that must be tried to be believed. Pale to medium lemon-gold, the nose is simply WOWa an absolute show-stopper, delivering vibrant, youthful lime cordial, pink grapefruit and lemon meringue pie scents followed up by suggestions of chamomile tea, saffron, cassis and nutmeg plus wafts of marzipan, crushed rocks and beeswax. The palate is beyond-belief intense, offering a myriad of decadent citrus fruit preserves and earthy/mineral-inspired nuances, instilling incredible depth, all punctuated by profound freshness and finishing epically long and exquisitely delicious. The alcohol this vintage is 13.6%, while the residual sugar is a whopping 150 grams per liter, beautifully balanced by a total acidity of 4.5 grams per liter of H2SO4. Obviously, the longer readers are willing to cellar this, the more they will get of that ethereal tertiary complexity/experience. This said, for those who love great Sauternes in its youthful/primary flushes, even at this very early stage in its evolution, the multifaceted 2001 d’Yquem will not disappoint.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2100
JancisRobinson.com 19
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. Creme brulee notes and a creamy texture with impeccable balance between the sweetness and freshness. A wonderful wine. (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2045
