CHATEAU YQUEM Sauternes White 2011

Grape

75% Sémillon, 22% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Muscadelle 

Tasting notes

An exciting vintage, where Yquem's diverse terroirs played a major role in juggling sugar levels that varied between rich, botrytised grapes and those less affected by noble rot, but full of amazing flavours that contributed enormously to the wine's aromatic complexity. The cellar team still remembers the heady fragrance that emerged from the winepress

Expert Ratings

Robert Parker 94/100

"The Château Yquem 2011 has a complex bouquet, one that is very well defined with hints of petrol infusing the rich honeyed fruit, later melted wax and fresh peach coming through. The palate is well balanced with a strong viscous entry. There is plenty of residual sugar here and I would have preferred a little more acidic bite to offset that rich, decadent finish (this is despite their correct policy of blending non-botrytized berries in order to increase acidity.) Powerful, burly even, I would give this several years in the cellar to allow this Yquem to mellow and enter its stride.."

Wine Spectator 99/100

"A lovely, creamy, tropical style, with mango, papaya and guava notes lending a caressing feel, while singed almond and warm piecrust accents blossom through the lush finish. Just when you think that's all there is, toasted coconut, fig, orange blossom and persimmon details kick in, lending length and dimension. The finish is ridiculously long. *Collectible*" James Moleworth

James Suckling 98/100

‘Crazy minerality to this, with lots of dried mango, pineapple and papaya on the nose. Botrytis-spice and nutmeg undertones. Full body, very sweet, with superb depth of fruit and richness. It goes on for minutes. Turns dense and concentrated on the palate. Speechless.’

Wine Enthusiast 97-97/100

‘Rich, with intense flavors of botrytis, lemon and Seville orange peel. This wine has both freshness and sweetness, with a light touch.’

Decanter 96/100

‘Lush apricot nose. Fine attack thanks to high acidity. Very sweet and pungent, with intense apricot fruit. Not a fat style, with great elegance, and shows lots of energy and spice. Long.’