Tag Archives: rare

2015 d’Yquem: Definitive Sauternes 10-2017

2015 Chateau d’Yquem :

The One Against Which All Others Are Compared

Arriving in March 2018

“Chateau d’Yquem is arguably the most prestigious sweet wine in the world” –James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

“What Nature bestowed in 2015 is everything you could possibly desire in a Sauternes” –Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 750ML ($499.95) Buy Now: $419 pre-arrival special, ETA March 2018
Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 1.5L ($1,099.95) Buy Now: $849 pre-arrival special, ETA March 2018
Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 375ML ($259.95) Buy Now: $219 pre-arrival special, ETA March 2018
Wine Advocate 98-100 points “The 2015 Château d’Yquem is a blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc that was picked on the gravelly soils as early as 3 and 4 September until 21 October, four tries through the vineyard. It delivers 144 grams per liter of residual sugar, with six-grams of tartaric acid, a pH 3.65 and 13.9% alcohol. It has a show-stopping bouquet that is beautifully defined and very complex and exuberant, infused with greater mineralité than recent vintages – intense but not as flamboyant as say the 2009 Yquem at this stage. The palate boasts absolutely stunning balance. This is a Yquem without a hair out of place: fantastically pure, botrytised fruit caressing the mouth. That is as per normal. What distinguishes this Yquem is the sense of electricity that is imbued by that razor-sharp acidity. There is just unbelievably tension here and to be frank, there is little point in me continuing to write this note, because it is simply an astonishing Yquem that will rank alongside the 2001 and 2009.”

James Suckling 99-100 points “This is an incredible young Yquem that is so vinous like a great vintage of Montrachet but then on the palate it turns to Yquem with spice, dried fruit and mushroom as well as sweet fruit. Last for minutes. Acidity is all there giving it a dynamic vibrance that jolts your senses. Special wine. It has a little more than than 140 grams of residual sugar, less than the legendary of 2001. But is very close in greatness. Let’s wait and see.”

Antonio Galloni 96-98 points “Stunning and utterly captivating, the 2015 d’Yquem is shaping up to be one of the truly epic wines of the vintage. All the elements are impeccably balanced, starting with the most captivating, alluring bouquet imaginable. The 2015 floats on the palate with grace and total finesse. What I like most about the 2015 is its airy, nuanced personality. Sweet floral notes, lemon confit, chamomile and acacia are some of the nuances that linger in this hauntingly beautiful d’Yquem. The 2015 was fermented in 100% new oak and residual sugar is 145 grams per liter, but none of that really matters. Readers who can find the 2015 should not hesitate, as it is truly magnificent!”

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Champagne 2006 – April 2016

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now: $219 special

James Suckling 97 points “Deep pinot-driven presence is the first and lasting impression. Power with control. Superfine bead, bread and spiced biscuits, candied ripe red fruits and a sense of tight-knit complexity. Some grapefruit, lemon pith & gently flinty notes too – impressive nose. In the mouth it is rich, powerful, mouth-filling and flavoursome with a core of the same biscuity red fruit flavour, savoury nutty notes and a wrap of assertive, persistent acidity that holds rich powerful flavour deep and focused whilst maintaining a polished, gently creamy texture. Long chalky bread and biscuit finish. A superb Pinot-driven vintage.”

Antonio Galloni 96 points “Broad, ample and resonant on the palate, the 2006 Cristal dazzles with its pure richness and volume. Readers need to give the 2006 another 4-5 years in bottle, perhaps longer, as the wine appears to be shutting down a bit. Tasted next to the 2002, today the 2006 is a bit less opulent but just as intense, layered and deep. This is a fabulous showing. 10,000 cases imported in the US.”

Wine Spectator 95 points “–Collectibles— This elegant version shows beautiful texture and a sense of finesse despite the underlying power of vibrant acidity and smoky minerality. The palate offers a finely layered mesh of blackberry, poached pear, almond pastry, lemon zest and pickled ginger flavors. Drink now through 2028.” WS

Pol Roger ‘Sir Winston Churchill,’ Champagne 2002 – April 2016

Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill, Champagne 2002 750ML ($279.95) Buy Now: $219 special

Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2002 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is wonderfully open, expressive and resonant. The richness of the vintage comes through nicely, yet the more overt elements are very nicely balanced by a good deal of freshness. Baked apple, pastry, candied lemon, dried flowers and warm, toasty notes shape the generous, resonant finish. With time in the glass, the 2002 takes a on a striking, vinous character. Readers might want to consider opening the 2002 a few hours in advance, as it really blossoms with air.”

Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s a sense of quiet elegance and grace to this harmonious Champagne. Refined and lacy in texture, with finely wrought acidity lending focus and length to the spice- and graphite-laced flavors of ripe apricot and blackberry, lemon meringue pie, chopped almond and briny mineral. Drink now through 2029. 500 cases imported. –AN”

Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Light yellow-gold. Deeply pitched aromas of poached pear, fresh fig, orange custard and honey, with smoky mineral and buttered toast nuances adding complexity. Stains the palate with ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors that are given spine and focus by juicy acidity. Closes taut, sappy and extremely long, with an echo of toastiness and wonderful clarity. All Grand Cru fruit.” JR

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2012 – April 2016

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($219.95) Buy Now: $169 special

Wine Advocate 98 points “After no 2011 was produced, the 2012 Clos Erasmus comes with renewed energy, a much fresher approach and a more transparent wine while keeping the slate typicity of Gratallops even in a tiny-yielding vintage. Part of the wine aged in 700-liter clay amphorae and the rest in Burgundy barrels that added a spicy patina to the nose, yet very much respected the wet slate character of the vintage. Contrary to previous vintages, the core of fruit is red rather than black; the 2013 that I tasted (not in bottle) followed pretty much this same direction. The palate shows power, elegance and a special mineral savoriness akin to licking stones. There is more Garnacha in the blend (there’s only 15% Syrah) which gives a Mediterranean juiciness. A new life for Erasmus, very much recognizable as Priorat, Gratallops and Erasmus, but with a more elegant haircut. Only 2,000 bottles produced.” WA

Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “(80% garnacha and 20% syrah; aged for 20 months in French oak, 60% of it new, and in a single 700-liter amphora): Bright purple. Sexy, mineral-laced aromas of black raspberry, potpourri, Asian spices and woodsmoke. Palate-staining red and dark berry liqueur flavors are complemented by notes of lavender, spicecake and bitter chocolate, with a minerally quality adding lift, vivacity and focus. Closes extremely long, with superb clarity, sneaky tannins and a whiplash of candied flowers.”

Marques de Legarda Reserva de la Familia, Rioja DOCa 1995 – April 2016

Bodegas de la Real Divisa Marques de Legarda Reserva de la Familia, Rioja DOCa 1995 750ML ($99.95) Buy Now: $79 special

Producer Notes “Bodegas de la Real Divisa are some of the oldest wineries in both La Rioja and Europe, belonging to a family legacy, which boasts the noble, family name of Marqués of Legarda. Bodegas de la Real Divisa also produce highly expressive wines, created from the older vines: Draco and Marques de Legarda Reserva de la Familia. These wines are only elaborated during year, when the grapes are of optimum quality, as much so in the plant’s general health as the grapes’ organoleptic characteristics. [The Reserva de la Familia is produced from] grapes originating exclusively from the bodega’s own vineyards. Each variety of native red grape gives different values to wines: Tempranillo brings power, elegance and aromas, Graciano produces wines of great color with spicy aromas [and] Mazuelo produces wines that bring freshness.”