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Vinous
By Chateau d'Yquem
Sauternes 2010
The Growing Season
The hallmark of the 2010 growing season was the overall coolness regarding minimum and maximum temperatures. The annual average was less than the 1948-2009 average, which had not occurred in 18 years. This cool weather was especially prevalent at the beginning and end of the year. The average temperature during the growing season was slightly warmer than usual. Total rainfall from May to October was slightly above average, but with some major variations. There was twice the average amount of rain in June, but July was very dry, August and September were slightly under average, and October had slightly more rainfall than usual. Most of the harvest took place during two abnormally cold periods.
The Harvest
Picking started early at Yquem, on the 3rd and 6th of September, with bunches of perfectly ripe, healthy, golden Sauvignon Blanc grapes destined for "Y." A first pass in the vineyards to pick grapes affected by noble rot took place from the 20th to 22nd of September, soon followed by a second one from the 27th to 30th. These two passes brought in berries full of freshness and were much affected by Botrytis cinerea. The dry weather in early autumn led to a long break in the middle of the harvest. However, on the 4th and 10th of October, much-needed rain finally came in sufficient quantity to cause a new burst of botrytis. Thanks to the quick return of an anticyclone, sunshine, and easterly winds were conducive to evaporation and concentration of sugar levels. Ten uninterrupted days of picking started again in earnest on the 14th of October during decidedly cold weather, during which the bulk of the 2010 crop was brought in.
The Vintage
2010 was a generous year in Sauternes. The fine, cool weather during the vintage meant the full potential of a particularly favorable growing season could be realized. However, making the most of such an abundant vintage called for being willing and able to make subtle distinctions between plots to single out grapes from the best ones to make the best possible final blend. A rigorous selection among the various lots produced a blend of brilliance and stature, fully in keeping with expectations for the superb 2010 vintage.
Technical Details
Alcohol: 13.50%
Residual Sugar: 138.00 g/L
Total Acidity: 3.60 g/LH2SO4
[Information provided by Beyerman Wines]
Region:
Bordeaux
Vintage:
2010
Grape:
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Country:
France
Unit Size:
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
13.50
Appellation:
Sauternes
Wine: 2010 d'Yquem
Score/Rating: 98
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2065
Review Date: 09/04/2023
Reviewed By: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Tasting Notes: A blend of [...] Semillon and [...] Sauvignon Blanc, with 138 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2010 Yquem has a pale to medium straw-gold color. After considerable aeration, it erupts from the glass with a powerhouse of flamboyant notes of crystalized ginger, honeydew melon, mango pudding, and lime leaves, followed by nuances of honeysuckle, white pepper, fennel seed, and crushed rocks. The palate is fantastically fruity, youthful and oh-so-rich, delivering citrus and tropical fruit layers with compelling tension, finishing very long and with wonderful purity.
Wine: 2010 Chateau d'Yquem (Sauternes)Â
Score/Rating: 97Â
Review Date: 04/05/2022
Reviewed By: Jeff Leve
Tasting Notes: Leaning to, but not quite at the orange side of the style range, the wine serves up its floral, spice, candied orange, apricot, roasted nut, pineapple, vanilla and creme brulee nose. There is richness, intensity, opulence, sweetness and freshness. The wine is youthful, yet approachable, honeyed, but not cloying, balanced and vibrant. You can enjoy this today, in a decade, or in 50 years your kids can toast you.
Wine: Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2010
Score/Rating: 97
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2045
Review Date: 11/15/2014
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: A pure, racy, floral style, with bright white peach, heather and honeysuckle notes driving along. The core of fresh orchard fruit is unctuous, the finish long and lacy, with marvelous cut and finesse. This shows the balance and elegance of a cooler year with a longer harvest period. -- Non-blind Yquem vertical (July 2014). Best from 2015 through 2045.
Wine: Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2010
Score/Rating: 97
Review Date: 11/14/2013
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes: The purity of Botrytis in this wine is so impressive with dried fruits such apple and mango. And then spicy character. Full body and very sweet but it is incredibly fresh and lively. Such class and elegance. Perfectly manicured wine. Everything in the right place. This shows a delicacy and intensity that are spellbinding. [...]
Wine: Chateau d'Yquem 2010 Barrel sample (Sauternes)
Score/Rating: 97
Review Date: 06/01/2011
Reviewed By: Roger Voss
Tasting Notes: 96-98. Stunningly rich in character, a wine with great power to go with its acidity and sweetness. It is dense, powerful and concentrated powered by honey and by spice from the wood. The finish has dried apricots, very aromatic.
Wine: 2010 d'Yquem
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2023 - 2060
Review Date: 10/31/2023
Reviewed By: Yohan Castaing
Tasting Notes: Exhibiting notions of saffron, pineapple, apricot, exotic fruits and spices, the 2010 d'Yquem is full-bodied, broad and enveloping, perfectly balanced with controlled power and a deep, fleshy core of fruit enhanced by bright acids. It has stunning aging potential despite a slight touch of volatile acidity. Residual sugar: 138 grams per liter.
Wine: 2010 Yquem
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2060
Review Date: 02/2020
Reviewed By: Neal Martin
Tasting Notes: The 2010 Yquem has an attractive bouquet with marmalade, caramelized pear, orange pith and light puff pastry notes. It just needs a little more delineation. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, lightly spiced and impressive focus. Like the aromatics, I would have just liked a little more precision on the finish. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.
