2001 d'Yquem
By Chateau d'Yquem
2001 d'Yquem from Château d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
At the pinnacle of sweet wine artistry, the 2001 vintage from Château d'Yquem embodies a symphony of sophistication and balance. A season that could only be described as an enological phenomenon, 2001 in Sauternes was marked by climatic generosity, affording this nectar an unparalleled complexity. With an illustrious reputation, this particular vintage galvanises the axiom that a profound experience awaits the patient collector.
Nectar of the Gods: A Timeless Investment
The tapestry of conditions in 2001 presented a viticultural canvas like no other. Autumn's morning mists and afternoon warmth forged an exemplary botrytis cinerea, the noble rot that is the serendipitous catalyst for this liquid alchemy. The resulting elixir from Château d'Yquem marries intensity with ethereal lightness, a dichotomy that captures the essence of a truly extraordinary investment-grade wine.
An Epic Vintage for Discerning Investors
On approaching the 2001 d'Yquem, one is greeted with a bouquet rich in candied fruits, honeysuckle, and a smidgeon of marzipan—an exotic perfume that tempts and intrigues. The palate is a cascade of opulence; apricots, dried figs, and orange marmalade complemented by a subtle thread of toasted oak. Seamless integration of sweetness and acidity propels it far beyond its peers – an embodiment of what can be achieved in Sauternes.
The wine's ageing trajectory promises continued evolvement, with tertiary characteristics slowly unfurling like treasures waiting to be discovered. This longevity and grace make the 2001 from Château d'Yquem eminently collectable, promising both sensory pleasure and steadfast appreciation in value for discerning investors.
In summing up the investable virtues of this golden ambrosia, it is clear why the 2001 d'Yquem holds a special place amongst fine wines. For those who appreciate the symphony of precise viticulture and masterful winemaking, this vintage represents an unmissable addition to any portfolio seeking both financial return and incomparable tasting experiences.
Market price (USD)
$5,900.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
241.5
Scores and tasting notes
This is so layered and intense on the palate with lemons and dried pineapple, mango and honey. Full body, very sweet, but it remains tangy and vibrant. Shows such amazing balance and intensity. Crazy finish. Hints of vanilla and apple purée. One of the greatest Yquems ever. All about purity here.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, September 9th 2013
There are 10,000 cases of this perfect sweet white Bordeaux. The 2001 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically, with airing, it offers up honeyed tropical fruit, orange marmalade, pineapple, sweet creme brulee, and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth, it is full-bodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scaled, youthful Yquem appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past, and will age effortlessly for 75+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2100+.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #158 April 2005
I have had the very good fortune to taste the 2001 d'Yquem perhaps a dozen times since its release and have never been less than absolutely floored by its combination of poise, purity, precision and layer upon intricate, jaw-dropping layer of flavor nuances. It is among a very small clutch of incredible wines that crash through the 100-point ceiling and rocket beyond the stratosphere! A testament to that magic that can be created when an uncommonly great vintage for Sauternes brings out the best of an extraordinary vineyard and is skillfully, sensitively crafted, the 2001 is a true wine rarity that must be tried to be believed. Pale to medium lemon-gold, the nose is simply WOW—an absolute show-stopper, delivering vibrant, youthful lime cordial, pink grapefruit and lemon meringue pie scents followed up by suggestions of chamomile tea, saffron, cassis and nutmeg plus wafts of marzipan, crushed rocks and beeswax. The palate is beyond-belief intense, offering a myriad of decadent citrus fruit preserves and earthy/mineral-inspired nuances, instilling incredible depth, all punctuated by profound freshness and finishing epically long and exquisitely delicious. The alcohol this vintage is 13.6%, while the residual sugar is a whopping 150 grams per liter, beautifully balanced by a total acidity of 4.5 grams per liter of H2SO4. Obviously, the longer readers are willing to cellar this, the more they will get of that ethereal tertiary complexity/experience. This said, for those who love great Sauternes in its youthful/primary flushes, even at this very early stage in its evolution, the multifaceted 2001 d'Yquem will not disappoint.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2019
Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. The nose is very tight at first with scents of dried honey, yellow flowers and melted butter with fine definition: very complex and cerebral. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant, zesty entry, good acidity with apricot, orange zest and white peach towards the well defined finish. Exquisite balance and poise although it needs years in bottle. Tasted March 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011