Chateau d’Yquem holds just under 300 acres of vineyard land on gravelly, well-drained soil, but only uses about 250 to make wine in any given year. The remainder is due to a program of continual replanting which ensures that producing vines are always in their prime. And the vineyard is planted only to Semillion (75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25%), eschewing Muscadelle which is commonly used in the area but makes less distinguished wine.

Within an hour of harvest, the grapes of Chateau d’Yquem are in the winery and being pressed. Unlike most white wines, quality actually improves with multiple pressings as that extracts more sugar and flavor intensity. Chateau d’Yquem three or four times, with the initial effort yielding about 75% of the total volume.

Chateau d’Yquem does all its fermentation in new French oak barrels. This is unsual for Sauternes, but results in the most flavorful and pristine wine. Although there is variation from one vintage to the next, the typical Chateau d’Yquem wine finishes fermentation at 13.5% alcohol with 150 grams/liter of sugar.

All the barrels age for six to eight months after fermentation. At that point, under-performing barrels are set aside. The remaining barrels go to the aging cellar for 20 months, where they are topped up twice weekly to maintain freshness. For pure flavors and clarity, the wines are also racked 15 times and then fined before the final, blind tasting which determines the blend that will go into bottle.

Although not always very outgoing when young, Chateau d’Yquem is marked by fruit (apricot, mandarin, and occasionally tropical fruit) and oak (vanilla and toasty aromas). Older vintages, on the other hand, have an extraordinarily complex fragrance as soon as the bottle is opened, with hints of dried fruit (dried apricot, prune, stewed fruit, and marmalade), spice (cinnamon, saffron, and liquorice), and even flowers (lime blossom, etc.). The first impression of Chateau d'Yquem on the palate is always very silky, and often sumptuous. It then fills out, "coating the palate". This fine wine has a strong, but never overbearing character, with great elegance and poise. It always maintains a balance between sugar and acidity (sweetness and freshness). A touch of bitterness can also contribute to the overall harmony.

The 2001 Château d'Yquem, a Sauternes blend from Bordeaux, France, is widely celebrated as an extraordinary wine, often achieving perfect scores from critics. This vintage is noted for its remarkable complexity, balance, and longevity, making it a standout example of the Sauternes style.

Wine Spectator's James Suckling awarded it a perfect score of 100, describing it as "the greatest young Yquem I have ever tasted from bottle," highlighting its intense aromas and flavors of botrytis spices, blanched almonds, honey, maple syrup, dried apricot, and pineapple. He praised its full-bodied, sweet, and powerful profile, noting its balance and refinement.

James Suckling, in a more recent review, also gave it a 100, noting the wine's "fantastic intensity and complexity of aromas" and its ability to demand attention with its "powerful, rich and intense" character. Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate praised the wine for its "poise, purity, precision" and its "layer upon intricate, jaw-dropping layer of flavor nuances," calling it a "true wine rarity."

Jancis Robinson scored the wine 98, describing it as a "marvellous wine with a fabulous future," pointing out its crème brûlée and marzipan notes, along with its great intensity and balance. Neal Martin, writing for Vinous, also lauded the wine, calling it "one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips."

The 2001 Château d'Yquem is characterized by its high residual sugar content of 150 grams per liter, which is expertly balanced by its acidity. This balance is noted by several reviewers, including Decanter, which commented on the wine's "silky and satiny" texture and its potential for long-term aging.

In summary, the 2001 Château d'Yquem is a celebrated vintage, praised for its complexity, balance, and ability to age gracefully, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.