April 5, 2024 - Opened at Noble Rot Mayfair. End of dinner wine and served from Coravin.
I've always been perplexed by this wine - I just don't think it's as good as what a lot of people say, or at least it's inconsistent, because I've had this wine a few times now and it's always varied. Beautiful toffee colour now, and classic Yquem nose, but I found the palate to be somewhat lacking, and it's definitely not as rich or unctuous as say the 2001. Clear step down for me... but then again you could just say I'm being incredibly picky.
With this in mind, this is not worth the price. Seek out good vintage 90s Yquem (thinking 96, 97 etc.) which has much better value and will perform just as well. Still, always a treat, and this note needs to be taken in context of what is still a very good wine.
March 16, 2024 - The d'Yquem did double-duty at a milestone birthday dinner at the Inn at Little Washington, paired with first the foie gras course and then again with desert. Absolutely stunning, the sweetness balanced perfectly by that incredible d'Yquem acidity. Tied with the '89 Montrose for my wine of the night.
Wines:
Krug Grande Cuvée NV;
2010 Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru;
2010 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru;
2009 d'Angerville Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs;
1989 Chateau Montrose; and
1988 Chateau d'Yquem (750 ml).
February 16, 2024 - Jon's 50th Birthday Dinner: PnP from 375. Always one of my favorites and this did not disappoint. Stunning melange of vanilla, honey, apricot and tropical fruits. Supreme length and depth with a finish that goes on and on.
January 20, 2024 - Touch oxidized or would warrant a higher score.
Usual kaleidoscope of flavor just came off a tad thin. Or seemed past its prime. Although this was a 375ml which was re-bottled from a 6 liter. Certainly drinkable and a nice wine but started to fall apart the longer it was in the glass, not a good sign for a Sauterne that was PnP!
I'm sure there are better bottles out there.
January 20, 2024 - My 6th bottle of the case and I think it was the best. Gorgeous caramelised apricot and pineapple/ tropical fruit. Really bright acidity so this doesn’t taste cloying or honeyed. Fab colour and nose too
January 13, 2024 - Packed with flavor and mouthfeel. A viscous blend of citrus, apricot, spices, sweet, sour, and acid. Sweetness level not too high anymore but strongly felt. Did a slow-ox for a few hours after initial tasting which helped open it up. Excellent!
December 28, 2023 - For me
Was too much on the acid side than the sugar side
I agree that the wine is less on botrytis and strong
Its more light for me than many of younger
some find walnuts
I find more dry grape but largely less than stronger sauternes
Balanced yep and no
I would prefer less acid more sugar
But yquem can be like that especially years like that
I agree will stay young like 20years more without problem with this acidity
Color was not to dark for this bottle
December 16, 2023 - Un très beau yquem, tout en finesse, orange, caramel, amandes
December 5, 2023 - Good vintages of Yquem (Chicago, IL): From half-bottle. Fresh, but overall showing quite lean relative to the other two vintages in the trilogy. More mineral and racy, with acidity being a key player here; the botrytis plays a backseat role here. This definitely feels more stern and less exuberant and expressive; it ticks the boxes but doesn't really go very much beyond that.
October 12, 2023 - Finished off our Bucket List wine dinner in RB with this fabulous sauternes. I'm sure I've had this vintage b4 but I don't recall it being in such a stellar and memorable condition--might very well be the best I've ever had, & I've had many! Absolutely perfect on this occasion: Wonderfully aromatic nose of honeysuckle and botrytis, silky smooth, elegant, yet rich palate, intensely concentrated and integrated elements including luscious white and yellow fruits, with just the right touch of acidity and grace. This wine is in the perfect spot right now, and seems absolutely ageless. I'm praying I have a few more bottles in storage! What a great bottle of wine, and what a great way to finish off a night full of fabulous wines. (see my other notes from this evening of all-time greats...). Superb!!!