CHÂTEAU d'YQUEM

BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2001

Why Buy: It isn't every day that a wine garners ecstatic 100-point scores from no less than 4 different critics (The Wine Advocate, James Suckling, Vinous, and Jeb Dunnuck) — but then, as we all know, d'Yquem is no every day wine. The 2001 vintage is among the most sensorially sublime the house has ever released, an absolutely astonishing experience that demonstrates, yet again, why this 16th century estate holds an almost mythical status among collectors and critics.

What They're Saying: "A wine that every wine lover should taste once in their life, it should be just about immortal," Dunnuck exclaimed, of the 2001 vintage. Lisa Perotti-Brown, writing for The Wine Advocate, was just as breathless: "I have never been less than absolutely floored by its combination of poise, purity, precision and layer upon intricate, jaw-dropping layer of flavor nuances. It is among a very small clutch of incredible wines that crash through the 100-point ceiling and rocket beyond the stratosphere!" Neal Martin, of Vinous, was likewise moved to the highest of superlatives. "Irrespective of points," he wrote, "it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips."

Our Tasting Notes: To sip a bottle of Château d'Yquem is akin to standing in awe before Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring” — a moment of transcendent beauty that defies simple description. This one begins with some of the most beguiling aromatics you’ll ever have the privilege of inhaling — apricot, mango, and quince, all interwoven with delicate threads of honey, saffron, and vanilla. On the palate, it's an irresistible paradox: decadently rich yet ethereally light, powerfully intense yet exquisitely balanced. Layers of candied citrus, crème brûlée, and exotic spices scamper across the tongue, buoyed by a vibrant acidity that keeps the residual sweetness in perfect check. The finish, a seemingly endless coda, leaves one pondering the remarkable alchemy that transforms humble grapes into such nectar. A testament, truly, to human craftsmanship at its zenith.

The Specs: The 2001 d'Yquem is a blend of 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are hand-harvested in successive tries (passes through the vineyard), with only those affected by noble rot selected for pressing. Fermentation takes place in 100% new French oak barrels, a process that can last up to six weeks. The wine then ages in barrel for up to 36 months before bottling. It all results in a wine with residual sugar levels typically between 100-150 g/L, balanced by refreshing acidity.

The Story: The tale of Château d'Yquem is, and has always been, one of royalty. Nestled in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, this estate's history stretches back to the Middle Ages, when it was owned by the King of England. It was under the stewardship of the Lur Saluces family, however, beginning in 1785, that d'Yquem truly ascended to viticultural Olympus. The château's unique microclimate, blessed by the Ciron River's morning mists and afternoon sun, creates the perfect conditions for noble rot to work its magic on the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This natural phenomenon concentrates the grapes' sugars and flavors, resulting in wines of unparalleled richness and complexity. D'Yquem's reputation for excellence was cemented in 1855, when it was classified as the sole Premier Cru Supérieur in the official classification of Bordeaux wines — a status it retains to this day. This recognition was not merely bureaucratic; it acknowledged d'Yquem's consistent ability to produce wines that transcend the status of mere beverage. The meticulous care lavished on each vintage is legendary. Multiple passes through the vineyard ensure that only perfectly botrytized grapes are selected, often berry by berry. In some years, if the crop doesn't meet the château's exacting standards, no wine is produced at all — the ultimate statement, perhaps, of d’Yquem's absolute commitment to quality.

What to Pair It With: Glorious though d'Yquem can be on its own, it also shines alongside certain foods. Try it with a lobe of seared foie gras for a classic French indulgence — the wine's focused acidity lancing the richness of the liver. For a more unexpected pairing, serve it alongside a carefully aged Roquefort, and savor the way its sweetness plays counterpoint to the cheese's salty tang. Best of all, perhaps, is a tarte tatin, wherein a buttery crust and caramelized apples bring out the best in the wine and vice versa.

Fun Fact: The average vine at Château d'Yquem is over 40 years old, with some vines dating back to the 19th century. These ancient vines produce only one glass of wine per vine per year, which just goes to show you the intensity and concentration necessary to produce a single bottle of d’Yquem.

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, KS, MI, NY, TN, or WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, August 15th, 2024.