2013 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Bordeaux 375ml Half-Bottle

Winemaker Notes: This was a year of tremendous contrasts. Spring was abnormally cool and wet, which meant that flowering was very spread out - a factor conducive to complexity at Yquem. Summer was magnificent! Cool weather in September retained the grapes' freshness, whereas summerlike conditions returned in October. The harvest took place under ideal conditions. This 2013 is very "botrytised", with richness and candied fruit flavors. The wine's freshness and power are comparable to 2001 and the degree of botrytis is reminiscent of 2007.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


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. Best from 2020 through 2050.”


James Suckling - “Bright aromas of sliced mango, papaya, botrytis, and lemon follow through to a full body, medium sweet and phenolic palate that gives the wine structure and beauty. Electric acidity and freshness yet an impressive energy and length. A severe selection was made. 40% of the production was destined to the grand vin. About 80,000 bottles made. This is 70% semillion and 30% sauvignon. Better in 2018.”


Wine Enthusiast - “The beautifully aromatic, honeyed scent leads into flavors of bitter orange and honey, along with extreme freshness. Notes of white peach and Rocha pear give richness to a wine that is not huge, but wonderfully balanced.”


Robert Parker - “Firstly, you notice the color, which is a touch deeper than recent vintages at this stage. The bouquet is quite honeyed and rich for Yquem at this early juncture, with subtle scents of peach skin, white flowers, and a puff of chalk and frangipane. The palate is viscous on the entry, all about the texture at first, coating the mouth with luscious botrytized fruit. There are touches of Seville orange marmalade, fresh apricot, a hint of spice and passion fruit. This is imbued with impressive depth and weight, perhaps an Yquem that is determined to make an impression after last year's absence. It might not possess the finesse of a top flight Yquem, but it has immense power and persistency.”


Wilfred Wong - “If only I could have been patient, I always dislike opening a d'Yquem before its time, and this was way before its ultimate moment of glory. The bottle was opened at The Institute of Masters of Wine Annual Bordeaux Tasting, and like everyone else in the room, I could not refrain myself. Of course, it is my job to taste wines. The 2013 Château d'Yquem was spectacular, and it was young (sigh). The wine shows pineapples, almonds, apricots, oak, and tremendous persistence. The vintage will go down as one of the winery's best.”


Decanter - “Excellent intensity and density for this vintage, with pineapple and mango flavours. High residual sugar at 140 grams per litre balanced by fresh, crisp acidity.”