Yquem 2001 is undoubtedly one of the greatest sweet wines ever made. It has near limitless longevity.
Chateau d’Yquem is a renowned producer of sweet wine situated in the appellation of Sauternes, within the region of Graves in Bordeaux. They were actually the only Sauternes Chateau to be classified as Premier Cru Superieur in the 1855 classification.
Their wines continue to reflect this status vintage after vintage. The 2001 epitomises this level of quality. Chateau d’Yquem is widely acknowledged as the star of the 2001 vintage and it is certainly worth investing in this vintage.
This case is being sold on behalf of a private client, with excellent provenance. This means they are available through our margin scheme, so there is no VAT to pay.
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CRITICS REVIEWS
“I have had the very good fortune to taste the 2001 d’Yquem perhaps a dozen times since its release and have never been less than absolutely floored by its combination of poise, purity, precision and layer upon intricate, jaw-dropping layer of flavour nuances. It is among a very small clutch of incredible wines that crash through the 100-point ceiling and rocket beyond the stratosphere!”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Advocate), 100/100 Points
TASTING NOTE
The 2001 presents a breathtakingly complex and vibrant nose of lightly burnt crème brulee, white peaches, apricots, mustard seeds and light new oak. Which heralds the way to the rich, magnificent palate. With the texture of melted butter and a perfect balance of precision acidity, it feels fresh, zingy and exciting. Total nectar. The exceptionally long finish is ethereal.
PRODUCER
Chateau d’Yquem is a renowned producer of sweet wine situated in the Gironde region in the southern part of Bordeaux. They were classified as Premier Cru Superieur in the historic 1855 classification. The only producer of sweet wine to achieve such status.
While Minister Plenipotentiary to France, Thomas Jefferson visited the château and later wrote, “Sauterne, this is the best white wine of France and the best of it is made by Monsieur de Lur-Saluces.” Jefferson ordered 250 bottles of the 1784 vintage for himself, and additional bottles for George Washington. This historic wine has been impressing oenophiles for centuries.
Today, the vineyard has 126 hectares on vineyards, 75% of which are Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvests are carefully timed, to ensure that only grapes affected by botrytis (noble rot) are selected.
In poor vintages, the entire crop is deemed unworthy of bearing the Chateau’s name and they are sold anonymously. This happened 9 times across the 20th Century, and only once in the 21st century; in 2012.
VINTAGE REPORT
Sauternes enjoyed a marvellous vintage in 2001. The conditions which proved difficult for Bordeaux reds, turned out to be perfect for Sauternes.
This vintage marked the start of a series of six exceptional years for Sauternes, but the 2001 is still widely considered the best.
The combination of heat, wet and then dry conditions were ideal for the growth of botrytis and ultimately led to rich, sweet wines laced with acidity.
The vast majority of well-made wines will still be ageing beautifully.
THE TERROIR
Chateau d’Yquem’s topsoil is warm and dry, accumulating heat thanks to smooth flat pebbles and coarse gravel. The clay subsoil contains good water reserves and there are numerous springs on the estate.
Yquem’s large size made it possible to plant 113 hectares of vines across a very representative sampling of the rich tapestry of the region’s soil types. This extraordinary variety of soils is a key factor in the quality and complexity of Yquem’s cuvees.
A key feature for Yquem, is their microclimate which allows for the magic phenomenon of botrytisation. Perfect meteorological conditions are required, and thus lead to small yields where these conditions are met.
The vines are tended with the greatest of care. The workers in the vineyard perpetuate a long tradition of painstaking work under the watchful eye of the vineyard manager. And the results reflect this attention to detail.
£2,4500.00
(12 x 3 7.5cl)
Margin Scheme – No VAT!
DISCOVER MORE: https://nickollsandperks.com/p/2001-chateau-dyquem-premier-cru-superieur-sauternes-21034315712212023240/