Chateau D'yquem - Sauternes 2011 (750ml)
Situated to the south of Bordeaux, Chateau d'Yquem is one of the finest references in the Sauternes appellation. This legendary Premier Cru Classe Superieur enjoys an exceptional terroir and produces sweet wines that are sought after throughout the world.
The mild, dry winter preceded a mild spring which favored an early vegetative development. Flowering was recorded three weeks ahead of schedule. The hailstorm on April 25th had little impact on the estate's vineyards. The months of June and July were characterized by heavy rainfall, which benefitted the vineyard and avoided any excessive water stress, along with a very cool period between July 13th and 29th. Despite this unstable climate, the temperate conditions in July were ideal for preserving both freshness and acidity. The heat during August, although not scorching, led to a historically early harvest, which took place from August 17th to September 7th.
Chateau d'Yquem 2011 comprises a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
With its exceptional aromatic palette, its power and its purity, Chateau d'Yquem 2011 is on a par with the iconic 2001 vintage. This fine Sauternes wine seduces with its freshness, its texture along with its generous and refined palate.
Wine Spectator: 99 Points
A lovely, creamy, tropical style, with mango, papaya and guava notes lending a caressing feel, while singed almond and warm piecrust accents blossom through the lush finish. Just when you think that's all there is, toasted coconut, fig, orange blossom and persimmon details kick in, lending length and dimension. The finish is ridiculously long. *Collectible*
James Suckling: 98 Points
Crazy minerality to this, with lots of dried mango, pineapple and papaya on the nose. Botrytis-spice and nutmeg undertones. Full body, very sweet, with superb depth of fruit and richness. It goes on for minutes. Turns dense and concentrated on the palate. Speechless.
Wine Enthusiast: 97 Points
Rich, with intense flavors of botrytis, lemon and Seville orange peel. This wine has both freshness and sweetness, with a light touch. (RV)
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2011 Yquem was picked over four tries from 6 September, the earliest for 125 years, until 5 October. Slightly paler in colour compared to the 2001 alongside, it has a well defined and slightly Germanic bouqet with that petrol note still present, allied with peach and apricot, honeysuckle and desiccated organge peel. The palate is fresh and vibrant with crisp acidity, a slight waxy texture, mango and quince laced with a touch of lemongrass towards the refined and quite approachable finish. What a pretty Yquem the 2011 is turning into.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
he Château Yquem 2011 has a complex bouquet, one that is very well defined with hints of petrol infusing the rich honeyed fruit, later melted wax and fresh peach coming through. The palate is well balanced with a strong viscous entry. There is plenty of residual sugar here and I would have preferred a little more acidic bite to offset that rich, decadent finish (this is despite their correct policy of blending non-botrytized berries in order to increase acidity.) Powerful, burly even, I would give this several years in the cellar to allow this Yquem to mellow and enter its stride. (NM)