2002 d'Yquem
By Chateau d'Yquem
2002 d'Yquem from Château d’Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The elixir that is the 2002 d'Yquem from Château d'Yquem captivates with its distinctive expression of a year that challenged the vignerons of Sauternes. Notwithstanding the region’s dalliance with Mother Nature, the seasoned artisans at Château d'Yquem sculpted a vintage that not only embodies resilience but pours forth a kaleidoscope of aromatic splendour.
Sweet Symphony: The 2002 Vintage’s Triumph Over Adversity
The 2002 Sauternes season unfurled under capricious skies, yet it culminated in a serendipitous interlude of late sunshine that proved crucial for noble rot development, the essential alchemy for crafting the prestigious d'Yquem. Against the odds, this treasure emerged triumphant, a testament to the meticulous care bestowed upon each vine.
The golden pour of the 2002 d'Yquem unfurls layers of honey, apricot jam, and roasted nuts suffused with an electrifying vein of citrus zest - a sensory narrative that speaks to the connoisseur’s soul. This vintage distinguishes itself by a poised balance between vivacious acidity and opulent sweetness. Investment collectors will note not just its immediate allure but its promise of evolution.
An Investment Woven from Liquid Gold
As with all vintages from Château d'Yquem, this wine's inherent longevity is beyond reproach. The 2002 vintage represents an investment that yields both sensory delight and potential economic returns. Its potential to evolve and gain further complexity makes it a prudent addition to any serious collection.
In summation, the 2002 d'Yquem stands as a beacon of Sauternes’ ability to emerge exultant from adversity. Its compelling tale engages both palate and portfolio alike, delivering not just flavours suspended in time but also a tangible testament to wise investing in liquid history.
Market price (GBP)
£2,730.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
182
Scores and tasting notes
The quality of the Yquem 2002 vis-a-vis the ensuing two vintages really surprised me: this is a superb Sauternes coming in with 125 gms/L residual. It has a wonderful lifted nose with superb delineation and sense of minerality with hints of coconut, roasted almond, limestone and nougat. Very harmonious on the palate, a greater sense of completeness compared to the 2003 and 2004. Vibrant acidity and focus with a smooth honeyed finish that I find utterly seductive. Bon vin! Tasted April 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2008
Pale to medium gold colored, the 2002 d'Yquem strides confidently out of the glass with forthright notions of spiced pears, baked pineapple, apricot preserves and orange blossoms with touches of graham crackers, praline, ginger nut and lemon curd. The palate lends an understated earthy/savory character with seamless freshness and a satiny texture paving the long, perfumed finish. Open-knit, expressive and yet still packing some primary fruit flavors, this vintage has entered its drinking window for those who love Yquem while it still possesses bags of vivacity. Five to seven more years in bottle should begin to yield more of the toffee, toasted nuts and savory elements for those who love that more evolved phase. The alcohol this vintage is 14%, while the residual sugar is 129.4 grams per liter, and the total acidity is 4.5 grams per liter of H2SO4.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2019