2009 d'Yquem, Sauternes

SKU #1112065 97-100 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(a blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon...155 g/l residual sugar): Bright gold-tinged lemon-yellow. Enticingly fresh aromas of white flowers, honey, orange and fresh apricot, with suggestions of coconut and candied orange peel. Enters the mouth suave and wonderfully pure, with nectar-like flavors of peach, orange and pineapple complicated by a hint of smoky botrytis. Though extremely rich and concentrated, laser-like acidity gives this remarkable Sauternes a seamless, penetrating, mineral quality on the extremely long, silky finish. Its superb inner-palate energy and near-perfect balance suggest that it will evolve very slowly and go on for decades. A very sleek and refined yet impressively concentrated Yquem that remains amazingly light on its feet. A great example not just of the vintage but of the Pierre Lurton style, and quite different from the more showy and opulent wines made under the direction of Alexandre de Lur Saluces. (5/ 2010)

98-100 points Wine Enthusiast

Barrel sample. 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. (8/ 2010)

99 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Tasting a legend under blind conditions is always the ultimate test of pedigree with everything to lose. And yet for the second year running, the brilliance of Chateau d’Yquem stood out. The 2009 has a glorious bouquet with luscious honey, lemon curd, white peach and quince that is crystalline and utterly refined. It demonstrates wonderful delineation and pinpoint focus. The palate is brilliantly balanced with life-affirming acidity. There are notes of quince and white peach once again, marrying with hints of light honey and crushed stone, finishing with convincing confidence on the composed, refined finish. This is not quite as ethereal as the 2001 -- but it comes damn close. Drink 2014-2050. (2/ 2013)

98 points James Suckling

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 fabulous now. It will age forever but it's already a joy to taste, even drink. (4/ 2012)

98 points Wine Spectator

Dense and unctuous, but with lacy detail already showing along the edges, as light toasty hazelnut and picecrust notes lead the way for creamed melon, mango and pineapple flavors, with hints of green plum and honeysuckle. There's mouthwatering drive on the finish, which drips with a rosehip honey note that keeps pulling you back. Stunning. Best from 2020 through 2055. (4/ 2012)

K&L Notes

80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc.