Chateau d'Yquem - 1er Cru Classe Superieur - 2001

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. 100 Points/Drink 2010-2100 - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate Medium depth of slightly greenish gold and obvious density so that it was not by any means translucent. Quite exceptionally rich, heady and unctuous on the nose. Extremely round and complete with just a hint of bitter orange/Oxford marmalade that gives it spine - though a very slight edge of bitterness at this early stage. A deeply reverberating wine with all the layers of super-ripe pears one would expect in a heavy botrytis year and the most magnificent satin texture. But this sample, I swear, even had a hint a roquefort in its undoubted depths. This is an incredibly long wine that caresses the palate - so why am I not giving it 20 out of 20? Because of that little note of bitterness on the finish which may very well dissipate and I'd be delighted to re-taste this on an annual basis so that I can review that score. This is a great Yquem - perhaps not quite as absolutely massive nor as unapproachable as I would imagine the 1967 was in 1971 - but which should enjoy a long, long life. 19.5 Points/Drink to 2050. - Jancis Robinson