D'Yquem Sauternes 1er Cru 2005

Category:
 
Sweet Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
D'Yquem
Label Name:
 
Sauternes 1er Cru
Vintage:
 
2005
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Sauternes, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
375ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Sémillon (≈80%), Sauvignon Blanc (≈20%)
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
5
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
10-12°C

Awards/Ratings
Notable scores: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate ~97–98+ (various tastings/reassessments); Wine Spectator 97; Wine Enthusiast 97; James Suckling ~95; Neal Martin (Vinous) ~96

Tasting Note
Luminous golden Sauternes: honeyed apricot, dried pineapple, saffron, orange peel, vanilla and ginger, with bright acidity, creamy texture and an ultra-long, perfumed finish.

Food Pairing
Foie gras, blue cheese (Roquefort), fruit tarts or crème brûlée; Asian pairings: Peking/roast duck with plum sauce, mango sticky rice, spicy Cantonese or Szechuan contrast dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvest of botrytised grapes in multiple passes; gentle pressing (often three pressings), barrel fermentation and extended élevage in oak (c.2–3 years) before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Château d'Yquem — the only Premier Cru Supérieur (1855) in Sauternes; long Lur-Saluces history; estate ≈113–114 ha, flagship producer of botrytised dessert wines.