Chateau D'Yquem 2014 Premier Grand Cru Sauternes, 375ml- Hlf Btl

Half-Bottle, 375ml

The best of the best, Chateau D'Yquem stands alone as the grandest and greatest of the wines of Sauternes. Single botrytis-infused berries are hand selected in the meticulous and painstaking winemaking process that puts Yquem at the pinnacle and kept it there for centuries. 2014 was an outstanding vintage for Sauternes, this wine received stratospheric scores across the board.

The Wine Advocate scored a barrel sample 96-98 saying "The Château Yquem 2014 was picked over 9 weeks this year, with one-quarter of the grapes picked prior to 15 September. It delivers 134 grams per liter residual sugar and 7.3 grams per liter tartaric acid, with a pH 3.60. It has a captivating bouquet (I know...I know...what else were you expecting) But it entrances with its pure, wild honey notes mixed with almond and white chocolate scents, bestowed with beguiling delineation and focus. The palate is very poised with the acidity nigh on perfect. Occasionally an Yquem only reveals its components parts at this early juncture, necessitates conjecture. However the 2014 has a sense of harmony and completeness already, as if the élevage is merely there to usher it on to its finished state. There is undeniably great depth here, perhaps less conspicuous than other vintages because of that silver thread of acidity: notes of lemon sherbet, orange zest, shaved ginger and again, a few "flakes' of white chocolate. It is extremely long with tenderness rather than power on the finish. It's not quite up there in the rarefied heights of say, the 2001 or 2009, but it is what we call in the trade, "the business.""

Wine Enthusiast scored a barrel sample 97-99 saying "Apricot tones with lively acidity give this rich wine a vein of freshness. Pear and white peach notes offer weight, while a lime backbone brings levity. There is a richness from the botrytis that is lifted by this wines delicious freshness."

James Suckling scored it 98 points saying "Very subtle Yquem on the nose with dried pineapple, lemons, green apples and hints of botrytis. The palate grabs you by the arms and shows you superb concentration of spices, dried fruit, phenolics and incredible energy. Nothing is like this from Sauternes this vintage! Drink whenever you like. Spellbinding."

Wine Spectator scored it 98 points saying "A stunner, sporting tropical mango and papaya notes that glide along beautifully, while heather honey, pineapple chutney and toasted coconut flavors fill in through the finish. Delivers an amazing mouthfeel that is both creamy and intense, presenting a pretty inner floral brightness that contrasts with the fruit. Best from 2020 through 2045."