2009 d'Yquem
By Chateau d'Yquem
2009 d'Yquem from Château d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The distinguished 2009 d'Yquem from Château d'Yquem emerges as a superb specimen from the hallowed vineyards of Sauternes. This particular year was granted near mythical status, its balmy summer days and crisp evenings forging a vintage of prodigious balance and magnificence within Bordeaux's sweet wine enclave.
Exquisite Balance: A Vintage to Remember
The 2009 vintage espoused all the virtues of a classic Sauternes season with added vigour. Rains in late September performed their pivotal role, promoting the onset of noble rot, before giving way to an Indian summer of perfection to complete the drying and concentration process. It is this climatic serendipity that allowed the 2009 d'Yquem to reach profound heights – the culmination of climatic benevolence and vinicultural prowess.
Richness and Complexity: A Symphony for the Senses
Luxuriant yet impeccably structured, this iteration captivates with a depth that sinks roots into one's memory. Upon tasting, it lavishes the palate with opulent layers of candied apricot, acacia honey, and roasted pine nut nuances. Yet for all its sensual richness, there lies an undercurrent of refreshing acidity that ensures each sip finishes with a lift so elegant it leaves aficionados longing for more.
The robust investment potential of this 2009 d'Yquem manifests not only in its immediate gratification but also in its propensity for graceful ageing. The encapsulation of such grandeur into each bottle earmarks it as a remarkable asset for any discerning fine wine investor.
In sum, the allure of the 2009 d'Yquem from Château d'Yquem is undeniable. It stands out within an already illustrious lineage as a vintage that not only captures the essence of Sauternes but elevates it – a testament to an exceptional year etched into liquid history.
Market price (SGD)
$5,700.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
170.5
Scores and tasting notes
Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 d'Yquem bursts from the glass with gregarious crème caramel, allspice, dried apricots, mandarin peel and pineapple upside down cake scents plus a fragrant undercurrent of fungi, acacia honey, candied ginger, musk perfume and frangipani. Full-bodied and full-on hedonic in the mouth, the rich, tightly wound layers are still amazingly youthful with bags of citrus sparks and an incredibly long, perfumed finish. Possessing a residual sugar of 157 grams per liter and 13.6% alcohol as well as a laser-focused line of freshness, the rock-solid structure and through-the-roof opulence here is simply mind blowing. Pure perfection.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 14 March 2019
Tasting a legend under blind conditions is always the ultimate test of pedigree with everything to lose. And yet for the second year running, the brilliance of Chateau d’Yquem stood out. The 2009 has a glorious bouquet with luscious honey, lemon curd, white peach and quince that is crystalline and utterly refined. It demonstrates wonderful delineation and pinpoint focus. The palate is brilliantly balanced with life-affirming acidity. There are notes of quince and white peach once again, marrying with hints of light honey and crushed stone, finishing with convincing confidence on the composed, refined finish. This is not quite as ethereal as the 2001 – but it comes damn close. Drink 2014-2050.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com Feb 2013
The length to this is exceptional with an intensity yet subtlety. Full and medium sweet with bright and exciting acidity. It's all in balance here. Creme brulee, pineapple, and papaya. Lasts so long on finish. It's so fabulous now. It will age forever but it's already a joy to taste, even drink. Better in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 29th 2012
The 2009 Yquem has an almost ethereal nose, beautifully defined with scents of honey, honeysuckle, pear, fresh apricot and a hint of quince. It blossoms in the glass, gaining intensity and expanding across the ether. The immediate impression is not of a powerful, rich, botrytis-laden Yquem, but one that has semblances with the 2007 in terms of poise and precision, the acidity defining the wine in its youth and around that, subtle notes of honey, fig, pear, apricot and just a hint of ginger adding vibrancy and edginess towards the pure and tensile finish. As expected, there is extraordinary persistency, lingering in the mouth long after the wine has disappeared, yet it will remain long in the memory.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #188 April 2010