White Bordeaux

Score: 98 Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), December 2003 The favorite sweet wine of millionaires, Chateau d'Yquem has, not unexpectedly, turned in a brilliant effort with their newly released 1989. It is a large-scaled, massively rich, unctuously-textured wine that should evolve effortlessly for a half century or more. It does not reveal the compelling finesse and complexity of the 1988 or 1986, but it is a far heavier, richer wine than either of those vintages. It is reminiscent of the 1976, with additional fat and glycerin. The wine is extremely alcoholic and rich, with a huge nose of smoky, honey-covered coconuts and overripe pineapples and apricots. As with most young vintages of Yquem, the wine's structure is barely noticeable. These wines are so highly extracted and rich yet approachable young, it is difficult to believe they will last for 50 or more years. The 1989 is the richest Yquem made in the eighties, and it has an edge in complexity over the powerhouse 1983. It remains to be seen whether this wine will develop the extraordinary aromatic complexity possessed by the promising 1988 and 1986 Yquems. Last tasted 11/97 Score: 97

Masses of acidity. Thick, very complex, very sweet. Massive but very young. 13.5%

Score: 19 - 20

JancisRobinson.com, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2018-205027 March 2012

Not darker than any other 2001 Sauternes. Butterscotch and orange peel but not excessive sweetness on the nose. Some barley sugar and then on the palate such a lot of richness and weight and complexity. The merest hint of mouse but awfully lovely. Not quite as fat as Climens.

Score: 18

JancisRobinson.com, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2015-203530 March 2011

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. The nose is very tight at first with scents of dried honey, yellow flowers and melted butter with fine definition: very complex and cerebral. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant, zesty entry, good acidity with apricot, orange zest and white peach towards the well defined finish. Exquisite balance and poise although it needs years in bottle. Tasted March 2011. (97+ Points)

Score: 97

Neal Martin, erobertparker.com 01 May 2011

The greatest young Yquem I have ever tasted from bottle. Yellow, with a golden hue and an almost green tint. Intense aromas of botrytis, spices and blanched almonds follow through to honey, maple syrup, dried apricot and pineapple. Full-bodied, sweet, thick and powerful, with layers of fruit and a bright, lively finish. Coats the palate yet remains exciting. So balanced and refined, showing the pedigree that only this Sauternes estate can deliver. Best after 2012. 10,000 cases made.

Score: 100

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2012+15 November 2005

There are 10,000 cases of this perfect sweet white Bordeaux. The 2001 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically, with airing, it offers up honeyed tropical fruit, orange marmalade, pineapple, sweet creme brulee, and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth, it is full-bodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scaled, youthful Yquem appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past, and will age effortlessly for 75+ years.

Score: 100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2010-2100+30 April 2005

NEAL MARTIN: 93

The 2003 has a deep amber/golden color. The nose is typical of the 2003 Sauternes with marmalade, orange peel, peach skin, touches of sea spray developing with time. There is good vigor and the aromatics are very open. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity considering the vintage: quince, mandarin, Chinese five spice and bitter orange towards the finish. This is one of the best 2003 Sauternes out there. eRobertParker.com.December, 2014

Rating:

90

Price ($)

NA

Drink Date

2008 - 2016

Reviewed by

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Issue Date

30th Apr 2008

Source

176, The Wine Advocate

This beauty exhibits copious notes of figs, melons, and green apple skins intermixed with mango, lemon zest, and nectarines. The wood component is barely detectable in this medium-bodied, stylish white. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.

Delivering 12.0% ABV and 200gms residual sugar, Denis Dubourdieu’s luxury Barsac, the 2007 L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daene, does not hold back, born with a lucid golden hue with big fat tears (of joy). The bouquet is very intense but very tight at first, demanding time to unfurl in the glass at its own pleasure: white peach, apricot, orange-blossom and a touch of marmalade with breathtaking definition. The palate is full-bodied with a viscous entry, so pure and caressing with mellifluous honey, apricot and citrus lemon, wonderful delineation on the finish, the thread of acidity interwoven through that powerful finish with the length of an ocean liner. Brilliant. Drink 2015-2050.

93-96 RPRobert Parker, Wine Advocate # 176 93 WSRich, powerful, perfumed aromas of lemon pie, cooked apple and melon lead to a full body, with a fabulous density that persists. Gorgeous, with lovely richness and balance. Best after 2011. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 2010

Rounded and broad in feel for now, with richly layered toasted almond, ginger cream, brioche and glazed apple notes that all glide through the viscous finish, where a flash of green tea can be found. This has the buried zip for the long haul, which it will need to assimilate fully. There's lots in reserve. Best from 2015 through 2034. 4,165 cases made. Score: 95

"This blockbuster blend of 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon has absolutely amazing texture, with superb lemon butter, crushed rock, quince and marmalade notes buttressed by hints of orange zest and citrus oil. Rich and full-bodied, with a sensational fragrance, this is an exquisite, full-throttle white to drink over the next 30+ years. Utterly profound!" 98+/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #199

This full-bodied blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon hit 14.5% natural alcohol. It is deep and rich, with loads of caramelized grapefruit, tropical fruit, subtle oak, wet stones and plenty of melons. Drink now-2035.

A stunning wine with hints of pineapple, caramelized citrus, mandarin oranges, smoky figs and hazelnuts, this is a full-bodied, rich, superb white Graves from the Cathiard family. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035. Score: 95

Source Reviewer Rating Maturity Current (Release) Cost

Wine Advocate #205
Feb 2013 Robert M. Parker, Jr. 96 Drink: 2013 - 2053 $685-$1200 (900)
A staggeringly rich blend of 81% Semillon and the rest Sauvignon Blanc, this full-throttle, impressively endowed wine has good acidity, with hints of candle wax, mandarin orange marmalade, caramelized melons and lemon oil. It is a stunner and should last 30-40 more years.

eRobertParker.com #225
Jun 2016 Neal Martin 94 Drink: 2025 - 2060
The 2011 Climens repeated its performance from a few months ago. There is a tangible richness on the nose, touches of honeycomb and chalk infusing the honeyed fruit before those fig-like scents begin to emerge. The palate is beautifully balanced, unctuous in the mouth with a lovely salinity coming through on the long finish. It is way too young to strut its stuff at the moment, so afford it at least a decade in bottle. Tasted April 2016.

A beautifully elegant and complex wine, with subtle notions of citrus, honeysuckle and tropical fruits, this medium-bodied, fresh, super-pure 2012 from Domaine de Chevalier should drink well for 30 or more years. The color is light straw with a greenish hue to it. Drink 2015-2025.

Score: 93+ Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (218), April 2015

A gorgeous effort, the 2012 Domaine de Chevalier, made from a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon that reached 13.5% natural alcohol, boasts abundant notes of creme brulee, lemon custard, candle wax and oranges in its beautifully rich, honeyed personality. Great acidity gives laser-like precision to its component parts. Drink this full-bodied white wine over the next 2-3 decades.

Score: 93/95 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (206), April 2013