2001 Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes, Sweet Bordeaux White Wine, France.
The outrageously hyped 2001 vintage Sauternes, led by this Chateau d’ Yquem made all the headlines, in fact this bottle was a 100 Point wine, so it was with great expectations I sipped my first sip of this nectar of legends. Not that I was completely drained of life with disappointment, nor would I pass up the opportunity to sample this d’Yquem again, I must say it did not live up to what I had been told and certainly not as magical as 1983 was, a wine that still haunts me. Am I becoming jaded? Maybe, but I have also been less than thrilled by other 2001 Sauternes, not just d’Yquem, and other well informed Sauternes critics and enthusiasts have been a bit worried at the fast aging of this vintage and the early darkening of their color, though thankfully the d’Yquem seems perfectly fine with a gorgeous golden yellow hue. I admire the class and length in the 2001 d’Yquem and it is true to character with lemon, peach, creme brulee and tart nectarine all delivered with a subtle cascade of layers along with an interesting brine note and tangy verbena which add contract to the honeyed sweetness and lush mouth feel. While no where near orgasmic heavenly or mystical perfection, this is seriously good Botrytis (noble rot) influenced Semillon from one of the grandest labels in the world. If you are lucky enough to have this, you’ll enjoy it, but there is nothing to be intimidated by here, do not be afraid to open it, even now.
($ N/A 375ml) 93 Points, grapelive
