2013 d'Yquem
By Chateau d'Yquem
2013 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The formidable 2013 vintage from the venerable Chateau d'Yquem emanates a symphony of olfactory opulence that only a Sauternes of such pedigree can offer. With my gaze tracing over countless vintages, this particular harvest stands boldly amidst its lineage—a benchmark in the art of sweet winemaking.
A Resplendent Display of Nature's Alchemy
Favourable climatic conditions caressed the vines of Sauternes in 2013, resulting in a botrytis cinerea phenomenon that adeptly sculpted the illustrious grapes of Chateau d'Yquem. This year, patience materialised into perfection as the noble rot delayed harvest until late autumn, ensuring a concentration of sugars and acidity seldom matched in the estate’s storied history.
An Exquisite Investment: The 2013 d'Yquem
The 2013 d'Yquem is a treasure among wine investors for its remarkable ageing potential. Engaging with this exquisite elixir unveils an eloquent palate teeming with fresh marzipan, glazed apricot, and aromatic orange blossom. A veil of toasted almond lingers harmoniously with a pristine line of acidity, revealing layers of complexity and an unyielding persistence on the finish.
As one delves deeper into its golden essence, this ambrosial vintage unfurls nuances specific to its birth year—the subtle kiss of oak and spice beneath its luscious fruit core—a testimony to the masterful barrel regime meticulously overseen by cellar magician Sandrine Garbay.
Invariably, the 2013 d'Yquem secures its position as an invaluable gem within any discerning collector's portfolio. Its inherent grace and capacity for profound evolution render it a compelling candidate for long-term investment—a liquid ode to the majesty of Sauternes.
Summarizing the Spirit of 2013 d'Yquem
In summing up, one beholds not just a bottle but an anthology of nature’s finest script when embracing the 2013 d'Yquem. To sip is to traverse the hallowed halls of Chateau d'Yquem’s legendary craftsmanship. For lovers of Sauternes and elite investors alike, this vintage punctuates one's cellar with the exclamation point of unrivalled sophistication and collectability.
Market price (USD)
$3,270.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
167.5
Scores and tasting notes
Firstly, you notice the color, which is a touch deeper than recent vintages at this stage. The bouquet is quite honeyed and rich for Yquem at this early juncture, with subtle scents of peach skin, white flowers, and a puff of chalk and frangipane. The palate is viscous on the entry, all about the texture at first, coating the mouth with luscious botrytized fruit. There are touches of Seville orange marmalade, fresh apricot, a hint of spice and passion fruit. This is imbued with impressive depth and weight, perhaps an Yquem that is determined to make an impression after last year-s absence. It might not possess the finesse of a top flight Yquem, but it has immense power and persistency. A majority of the 2013 Chateau d-Yquem was picked between September 25 and October 2, augmented by a second trie on October 11 after rains had provoked botrytis and then a third trie from October 21 and 24, before a final pass through the vineyard at the end of the month. Winemaker Sandrine Garbay told me that all the lots were used, but only 40% of the crop made it into the final blend, which equates to around 70,000 and 80,000 bottles. During assemblage of different lots, the blend ended up 30% Sauvignon Blanc, a little higher than usual, and 70% Semillon, while the residual sugar comes in at 140gm/L, which is a little higher than average. The reason is that the fermentation stopped naturally at this level, therefore the alcohol is a tad lower than average at 13.1 degrees.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014
Firstly, you notice the color, which is a touch deeper than recent vintages at this stage. The bouquet is quite honeyed and rich for Yquem at this early juncture, with subtle scents of peach skin, white flowers, and a puff of chalk and frangipane. The palate is viscous on the entry, all about the texture at first, coating the mouth with luscious botrytized fruit. There are touches of Seville orange marmalade, fresh apricot, a hint of spice and passion fruit. This is imbued with impressive depth and weight, perhaps an Yquem that is determined to make an impression after last year-s absence. It might not possess the finesse of a top flight Yquem, but it has immense power and persistency.
A majority of the 2013 Chateau d-Yquem was picked between September 25 and October 2, augmented by a second trie on October 11 after rains had provoked botrytis and then a third trie from October 21 and 24, before a final pass through the vineyard at the end of the month. Winemaker Sandrine Garbay told me that all the lots were used, but only 40% of the crop made it into the final blend, which equates to around 70,000 and 80,000 bottles. During assemblage of different lots, the blend ended up 30% Sauvignon Blanc, a little higher than usual, and 70% Semillon, while the residual sugar comes in at 140gm/L, which is a little higher than average. The reason is that the fermentation stopped naturally at this level, therefore the alcohol is a tad lower than average at 13.1 degrees.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014