2009 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Blend

Sauternes Blend - 750ML
Reg: $675.00
$595.00
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REVIEWS

WA 100 TWI 100 WE 100 JL 99 JS 98 WS 98 VN 97 DC 95
WA 100

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2023

In comparison to the 2010 vintage, the 2009 d'Yquem is more concentrated with a stunning "rôti," the consequence of noble rot in French. Developing a powerful, complex bouquet with aromas of pineapple, apricot, saffron...
TWI 100

The Wine Independent, September 2023

A blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, with 155 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2009 Yquem has a pale to medium straw-gold color. It waltzes out with gregarious notions of key lime pie, orange blossoms...
WE 100

Wine Enthusiast, August 2010

(WE98-100 points) The aromas are so rich and powerful, with great ripe apricots. There are honey, spice and beautiful sweet spiced pears. This is an extraordinary wine in an extraordinary year in Sauternes.
JL 99

TheWineCellarInsider.com, September 2019

Still just a baby as you would expect, yet it is impossible not to be blown by the juxtaposition between the insanely concentrated levels of ripe and over ripe, honey drenched tropical fruit and the bracing acidity that...
JS 98

jamessuckling.com, April 2012

The length to this is exceptional with an intensity yet subtlety. Full and medium sweet with bright and exciting acidity. It's all in balance here. Creme brulee, pineapple, and papaya. Lasts so long on finish. It's so...
WS 98

Wine Spectator, January 2014

The aromas are closed today, but the core is loaded with apricot, nectarine and orange notes, bolted by a citrus zest spine and backed by toasted almond and piecrust accents on the finish. A large-scale Yquem that shows...
VN 97

Vinous, March 2019

The 2009 d'Yquem is a vintage that I have awarded perfect scores to in the past however, neither bottles merit that on this occasion. The first bottle feels scalped, so much so that a second bottle is checked. This has a...
DC 95

Decanter,

Voluptuous honeyed nose, with peach compote aromas and spicy oak. Has a fine attack, leaner and more precise than the nose suggests. It's minty and almost peppery, with dried apricot flavours, a wine of tremendous drive...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Dessert
Varietal Sauternes Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Sauternes
Vintage 2009
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 14%
Closure Cork

Sauternes is the best and most sought-after region for dessert wine in Bordeaux, perhaps in all of France. Chateau d’Yquem is the most celebrated of all Sauternes producers.

The history of d’Yquem can be traced back to 1593, when local nobleman Jacques Sauvage became the feudal overseer of the property. The area was already home to late-harvest wines even then, and the Sauvage family moved things forward, creating “modern” vineyards—and the famous chateau—on the unique hill that contributes to d’Yquem’s outstanding quality. In 1711, the Sauvage family became full owners of the property and managed to retain it through the French Revolution.

The quality and reputation of Chateau d’Yquem wine improved as the vineyard was methodically expanded and enhanced. By the late 18th century, it was celebrated internationally and counted Thomas Jefferson among its staunch supporters. But the house continued to innovate and better its practices. The constructed a large, purpose-built cellar for maturation and aging in 1826 and, not long after, began harvesting in multiple passes to optimize fruit quality. This work was rewarded when Chateau d’Yquem was designated the only 1er Cru Superieur dessert wine in the famous 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines.

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.

Introducing the exquisite 2009 Chateau d'Yquem, a Sauternes Blend from the prestigious Bordeaux region in France. This white wine is a true gem, radiating elegance and balance in every sip. With its luscious golden hue and a cork closure, this wine is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the renowned Chateau d'Yquem.

Upon pouring, the aromas envelop the senses, inviting you to explore its complexity. The nose reveals a delightful bouquet of crème brulee, citrus, honey, apricots, and dried apricots. As the wine breathes, secondary notes of mandarin peel, pineapple upside-down cake, and candied ginger emerge, creating a symphony of scents that captivate the senses.

On the palate, the 2009 Chateau d'Yquem is a revelation. It offers a rich and viscous texture, showcasing the impeccable balance between sweetness and acidity. The flavors of apricot, nectarine, and orange dance on the tongue, complemented by a spine of citrus zest. Toasted almond and piecrust accents add depth and complexity to the wine's already impressive profile.

This vintage is a true standout, receiving exceptional scores from renowned critics. Geoffrey Binder of JJ Buckley awards it an astounding 99 points, praising its focus, length, and incredible balance. Wine Spectator gives it a score of 98, lauding its richness and the well-integrated citrus zest spine. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awards it a perfect score of 100, describing it as mind-blowing, with layers of citrus sparks and a perfumed finish.

The 2009 Chateau d'Yquem is a wine that tells a story of perfection and timelessness. While it is already a joy to taste, James Suckling suggests that it will age beautifully, reaching its peak around 2020. Wine Enthusiast gives it a perfect score of 100, emphasizing its rich aromas of ripe apricots, honey, and spice.

In conclusion, the 2009 Chateau d'Yquem is a wine that demands attention and admiration. It is a true masterpiece from one of Bordeaux's most esteemed producers. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future indulgence, this wine promises to leave a lasting impression on any wine enthusiast fortunate enough to experience its splendor.