Ch d’Yquem is the greatest sweet wine in the world and last week they released their 2013. Having decided not to declare a 2012, the release of the brilliant 2013 has been eagerly anticipated. It is a wonderful wine, potentially even better than the 2011 and 2007, close on the heels of the legendary 2001.
Neil Martin comments that “2013 mirrors 1967, 1997 or 2007, years when rotten luck for the Left and Right Banks is good fortune for those whose lives depend upon pourriture noble.”
Of Yquem 2013 Neil says “Pierre Lurton and his team have fashioned a wine that wants to make a statement that it is back, back, back … It is a powerful proposition with enormous depth and breadth, a wine that wants to make up for last year’s absence”.
At £1,200 per 6 case it is expensive… but James Suckling does say it is “fantastic” and “THE wine of the vintage”. Alternatively if you feel tempted, we have a range of older vintages on stock, going as far back as 1967, including some available by the bottle. Give us a call…
Here are the full notes:
2013 Ch d’Yquem 1er Grand Cru Sauternes
£1,200 per 12 half bottles In Bond
£1,200 per 6 bottle In Bond
£1,200 per 3 magnums In Bond
Larger bottles available on request
Unquestionably the sweet wine of the vintage in 2013. This is everything one expects from Sauternes’ greatest estate. Beautifully plump, generous and gracious, this has an amazing volume of fruit with the silky honeyed sweetness, that is always such a characteristic of this extraordinary estate’s wine. Bright pure flavours of apricots and oranges, this has a beautifully viscous feel, without excess. The crisp, balanced acidity provides real life and finesse on the finish. Delicious length and huge class. Drink 2017-2037. 98 points, David Roberts MW.
The highlight of my latest tasting was Sauternes. These sweet wines are fabulous in 2013, and I may like them better than 2011, 2007 or 2005. They might be close to the legendary 2001 vintage in quality and style. They have a purity of botrytised fruit that is amazing. The Chateau d’Yquem 2013 is fantastic. It is THE wine of the vintage. 95-98 points. James Suckling.
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. 95-97 points. Neil Martin, Wine Advocate