November 26, 2023 - Expressive dried and fresh apricot on the nose. Layers of orange peel, honeycomb and toasted hazelnut. Lovely touches of white blossoms. Full bodied with precise interplay between sweetness and freshness. A burst of saffron. Huge persistence on the finish. Delicious. Drink now or hold.
WSET Notes:
Pale amber.
Pronounced on the nose with apricot, orange zest, white blossom, honeycomb, dried apricot, toast, biscuit and hazelnut. Developing.
Pronounced and sweet on the palate with saffron coming through. Full body, high alcohol, high acidity, long finish.
Can drink now but has potential for ageing.
July 27, 2023 - This bottle of 2008 Yquem (.750ml) is in the most beautiful place in its evolution at the moment. Hallmark Yquem, the balance and flavor expansion are utterly harmonious, with the distribution of weight, sweetness, and acidity all on perfect point. The savory elements are so nuanced that the execution carries an airiness that floats the lemon, honeydew, dried apricot, fresh white flowers, fresh herbs, and white rock elements across the palate in an effortless cadence. Finishes as it starts, on a textural glide that coats the mouth with a thin layer of viscosity, gently dissipating on the tail. Impresses most for its equilibrium and subsequent food pairing versatility, which of course was pretty amazing with a seared foie gras and stone fruit tart dish with spiced mascarpone and candied pecans. More please.
June 22, 2023 - Dinner with Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem President Pierre Lurton (Anhelo Restaurant Phoenix, Arizona): Create story
May 27, 2023 - My first Yquem. Surprisingly developped; Caramel and nutty goodness taking prominence over ripe fruit flavours. Best Sauternes I’ve ever drank but missing the ‘wow’ effect I was hoping for considering the legendary status of this chateau.
April 16, 2023 - Served at the end of a wonderful dinner with Bruno at Ducru, this is clearly from a cooler vintage and it showed so well with great purity and finesse. Definitely in the terroir-specific, mineral style of Yquem which is alright with me. Mouthwatering and impossible to not drink as much as is put in your glass. Just lovely. 94+
March 24, 2023 - Color, clear golden yellow. 1st nose, saffron, white raisins. 2nd nose, raisin stem, apricot and honeysuckle. On the palate, balanced sweetness and big body. Paired well with chocolate mousse with Carmel sauce and hazelnut brittle.
November 11, 2022 - Short notes: although I'm not a huge fan of dessert wine in general but the 08 d'yquem, which I last tasted probably 8-9 years ago has given me consistent notes of coconut and vanilla sponge cake on the nose. It is relatively refreshing in sweet wine standards although I can't really say this can be use during or before the meal. This is still very young obviously can could last for decades more.
July 7, 2022 - This wine has matured nicely. It is now a dark golden color and its nose has a maturity about it, that it did not have in the past. Honey, honeysuckle, dried apricot, hint of cedar, some plastic pool toy, hints of butter. A wonderful creaminess on the mouthfeel. Drinking marvelously.
January 16, 2022 - Popped and poured. This is in a terrific place. Spellbinding with this wonderful juxtaposition of an explosion of exotic fruit with incredible acidic and mineral tension. Very complex and layered already but youthful. I think this is just beginning to show its treasures.
December 7, 2021 - What a wine! Nose of honeycomb, dried apricot, dates. Intense yet elegant acidity, strong apre of apricots and stone fruits, molasses on the ending with good minerality and elegant notes of of lemon blossom and gingerbread. A classic wine!