Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2005
Dessert
from Sauternes and Barsac, Bordeaux, France
winemaker's notes:
The 2001 vintage of this wine was ranked #10 on the Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wines of 2005
Lovely, brilliant, golden-yellow color. Concentrated nose of apricot compote, dried fruit, and figs with vanilla and floral (jasmine and acacia blossom) aromas. The bouquet opens up after swirling in the glass to reveal extremely fresh citrus zest overtones that emphasize the wine's subtle refinement.
2005 Yquem starts out deliciously suave and caressing on the palate, with perfect balance. The fresh acidity and elegance complement the wine's restrained power, giving it incredible class.
There are strong flavors of gingerbread, orange nonette cakes and licorice followed by a gorgeous acid tang that underpins the wine's beautiful, long aftertaste on a par with the chateau's most illustrious vintages. The tremendously varied and complex flavors all seem to vibrate on the same wavelength, melting into a subtle whole.
critical acclaim:
"Floral, lemon, apple and cream with dried pineapple and apricot. Full-bodied, but very focused and refined. It starts slowly and then, wham! It goes on and on. Spicy, dried fruits and spices. Full-bodied, medium-sweet. So long and exciting. It is very close to 2001. We will see. Score range: 95-100
Barrel Sample: 95-100 Points"
100 Points
Wine Spectator
"This isn’t sweet, but just so wonderfully rich. It’s the concentration of botrytis that makes the wine. The texture is velvet, but with a spicy bite to it. Apricot, honey and marzipan all contribute to a wine that will age over decades."
97 Points
Wine Enthusiast
"Somewhat muted floral aromas of jasmine, orange blossom and honeysuckle over candied pineapple. A waft of anise and some cedar. The palate is quite restrained with well balanced sweetness versus medium to high acidity. Very long finish – a mineral character coming through. Tasted August 2009."
92 Points
The Wine Advocate
