Tasting Notes:
98 points James Suckling
Bright aromas of sliced mangoes, papaya, botrytis, and lemon follow through to a full body. Medium sweet with a phenolic palate that gives the wine structure and beauty. Electric acidity and freshness combined with impressive energy and length. A strict selection was made. 40% of the production was destined to the grand vin.
98 points Wine Spectator
Lightly toasted marshmallow and macadamia nut aromas lead the way, followed by incredibly juicy mirabelle plum, green fig, and glazed pear and peach flavors. As big as this is, there are still plenty of honeysuckle, quinine and chamomile notes kicking the finish into yet another gear. This has purity and length to burn, with decades more to go. *Collectibles* (JM)
96 points Wine Advocate
The 2013 d’Yquem is open and demonstrative, evoking aromas of apricot, saffron, musk, spices and exotic fruits, followed by a medium to full-bodied, pure and deep palate paving the way to a perfectly controlled power. The finish is animated with bright acids and a sappy, fleshy texture typical of Yquem’s clay terroirs, and while it may stand in the shadow of its Bordeaux vintage red counterpart, whose reputation has been somewhat wanting, this Sauternes deserves of praise in its own right.
Cult Wines International Notes:
Château d’Yquem, a name synonymous with unparalleled dessert wine, has for centuries captivated wine lovers with its luminous amber hues and extraordinary complexity. This Sauternes icon, lauded by figures like Thomas Jefferson and Tsar Alexander I, seamlessly blends dessert and wine into an intoxicatingly sweet and irresistibly splendid experience.
Founded in the 1300s, Château d’Yquem has spent 700 years perfecting its craft. From early ownership by the Eyquem family to its eventual acquisition by LVMH in 2004, the estate has undergone several transitions. Notably, it stands as the only Château with a Premier Cru Supérieur rating, a testament to its exceptional quality. While the LVMH acquisition initially sparked controversy, it has ultimately led to refined vintages and enhanced marketing.
Perched atop Sauternes’ highest hill, Château d’Yquem benefits from a unique terroir. Its 113-hectare vineyard, with its warm, dry gravel topsoil and clay subsoil, fosters the growth of Botrytis cinerea. Under specific conditions, this fungus transforms into “noble rot,” crucial for the concentrated sweetness and unique flavor profile of Sauternes wines.
The vineyard, predominantly planted with Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, undergoes meticulous hand-harvesting, ensuring only perfectly rotted grapes are selected. Due to the challenges of cultivating noble rot and the estate’s rigorous selection process, production is limited, and some vintages are not released.
The ideal drinking age for Château d’Yquem remains a subject of debate. The estate suggests enjoying it at any stage. Younger vintages showcase vibrant fruit aromas like apricot and mandarin, complemented by vanilla oak. Older vintages reveal complex dried fruit, spice, and floral notes.
Regardless of age, d’Yquem is known for its exceptionally long finish, silky texture, and perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and subtle bitterness. Each vintage offers a unique and unforgettable sensory experience.
Bottle Size:
3L Double Magnum in OWC
Storage History:
Always stored properly in a climate controlled cellar.
Condition:
Overall outstanding condition. There is some staining on the box, but this is clearly from another bottle leaking on it while being stored, as the bottle itself shows zero signs of seepage.
Please note: The bottle shown in the photos is the exact item you will receive. Photos have been taken from various angles to illustrate the wine’s condition.
