2013 Château d'Yquem

Hints of saffon and fresh truffle, dominated by juicy peach, apricot pit, satsuma and lemon peel notes, so drinkable and graceful, drawn out, languid, pleasurable. Less concentrated than the 2022 and 1989 that we also tasted over this incredible lunch, but full of grace, in its drinking window and yet sure to age for decades. Sandrine Garbay winemaker, 100% new French oak barrels for ageing, Pierre Lurton director.

Luxuriously rich and thick and opulent, and with such interesting complexity! The first thing seems to be mint leaf, as well as the preserved apricot fruit with ginger and milk chocolate. Long, epic type of length, unfolds like a saga – a wine to really spend time with. (RH)

The 2013 d'Yquem is open and demonstrative, evoking aromas of apricot, saffron, musk, spices and exotic fruits, followed by a medium to full-bodied, pure and deep palate paving the way to a perfectly controlled power. The finish is animated with bright acids and a sappy, fleshy texture typical of Yquem’s clay terroirs, and while it may stand in the shadow of its Bordeaux vintage red counterpart, whose reputation has been somewhat wanting, this Sauternes deserves of praise in its own right.