The 2001 vintage of Chateau Yquem is up there with the finest wines made anywhere in the world in the last few decades. Rated at 100 points by an incredible six different noted critics, it is a legend of a wine that no truly complete cellar can be without. We are delighted to have some beautiful original cases to offer directly from our UK cellars.

2001 was a great Sauternes vintage and its most famous producer took full advantage to craft a legendary wine. A look at the notes from the critics shows it to be something very, very special.

• “epitome of a Sauternes experience that is as cerebral as it is hedonic”, 100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown
• “simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips”, 100 points Neal Martin
• “appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past”, 100 points Robert Parker
• “A wine that every wine lover should taste once in their life”, 100 points Jeb Dunnuck
• “One of the greatest Yquems ever”, 100 points James Suckling
• “this is probably going to be a 100-year wine!”, 100 points Jeff Leve

 

A proverbial must-own. Details are below. Do take a look and let us know if you would like to secure a case or two.

The 2001 Yquem has a pale to medium gold color. The nose is a little closed to begin, slowly emerging with a complex array of notes of mango preserves, baked peaches, saffron, salted almonds, and candied ginger, followed by wafts of jasmine, honeycomb, and crème caramel. The palate is super-sweet, concentrated, and multi-layered, delivering wave after wave of opulent stone and tropical fruit flavors, supported by amazing tension and a satiny texture, finishing with epic length and lingering mineral notes. This is a wine I’ve tasted many times and it has never been less than the epitome of a Sauternes experience that is as cerebral as it is hedonic. The residual sugar is 150 grams per liter, which is on the high side, yet, incredibly, it wears this richness with such energy. (2023) www.thewineindependent.com Drink 2023-2100

Just weeks after tasting the 2001 Château d’Yquem at the estate, another bottle was served at a lunch in London and it was perfection. The aromatics are practically identical and likewise the palate, but this bottle, which had been decanted, displays a scintilla more tension, perhaps more “vibrancy” that so effortlessly counterbalances the richness. Irrespective of points, it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips. (2021) www.vinous.com

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+. (2005) www.robertparker.com

A brilliant sweet wine that tops out on my scale, the 2001 Château D’Yquem is now fully mature yet still vibrant and pure, with an incredible nose of honeyed marmalade, caramelized tropical fruits, rising bread, marzipan, and lavender. Incredibly complex, full-bodied, and unctuous on the palate, it’s one of those rare wines that can deliver incredible richness and decadence while staying pure, light on its feet, and perfectly balanced. A wine that every wine lover should taste once in their life, it should be just about immortal. (2023) www.jebdunnuck.com

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. (2013) www.jamessuckling.com

Honey, flowers, apricots, pineapples and spice might be what you initially notice. But it is the compelling balance between the incredible levels of richness, sweet honey-slathered yellow fruits and blazing acidity that rocks your glass! Still a baby, this is probably going to be a 100-year wine! www.thewinecellarinsider.com