2013 Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bottle (750ml)

JS98 Bright aromas of sliced mangoes, papaya, botrytis, and lemon follow through to a full body. Medium sweet with a phenolic palate that gives the wine structure and beauty. Electric acidity and freshness combined with impressive energy and length. A strict selection was made. 40% of the production was destined to the grand vin. About 80,000 bottles made. This is 70% semillion and 30% sauvignon blanc.

LP96 A blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, with 140 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2013 Yquem has a medium straw-gold color. It is just starting to evolve into notes of straw, cashew nuts, and honey toast, with a core of apple pie, pear tart, and key lime pie. The palate is relatively elegant and refreshing, with a satiny texture and a refreshing lift on the finish.

RP96 The 2013 d'Yquem is open and demonstrative, evoking aromas of apricot, saffron, musk, spices and exotic fruits, followed by a medium to full-bodied, pure and deep palate paving the way to a perfectly controlled power. The finish is animated with bright acids and a sappy, fleshy texture typical of Yquem’s clay terroirs, and while it may stand in the shadow of its Bordeaux vintage red counterpart, whose reputation has been somewhat wanting, this Sauternes deserves of praise in its own right.