d’Yquem Sauternes 2010

98+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): “The 2010 Château d’Yquem is an utterly stunning young wine and a very worthy follow-up to the magical wine produced at this estate in 2009. The bouquet is deep, complex and flat out brilliant, as it soars from the glass in a celestial mélange of pineapple, tangerines, a touch of passion fruit, honeycomb, beautifully complex and chalky soil tones, spring flowers and a very gentle touch of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, suave and utterly seamless, with great mid-palate depth, bright acids and surreal length and grip on the dancing and very intensely flavored finish. The 2010 d’Yquem is not quite as ethereally complex at this stage as the hauntingly beautiful 2009, but in terms of sheer quality, it seems likely to be every bit as profound. 2020-2100. (Mar/Apr 2011)”

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): “Pale to medium lemon-gold color, the 2010 d’Yquem has retreated into its shell at this youthful stage, offering spritely suggestions of lemon curd, lime cordial and green mango with wafts of honeysuckle, spice cake, sea spray and beeswax plus a hint of gingerbread. The palate really comes through with super intense, tightly wound citrus, savory and mineral layers carried by a laser-precise backbone of freshness, finishing with crazy persistence that lingers a full three minutes and then some. This is going to be a very exotic, opulent Yquem! Drink: 2025-2065. (Mar 2020)”

98 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): “This displays an understated golden hue in the glass, not really hinting at the joy waiting to be found within. Aromatically it displays a fine figure, despite the evident richness of the aromatics, with honey and butterscotch, dried and caramelised fruits, and a touch of acacia, it maintains a very vigorous presence. Polished and dense on the palate, freshly textured, this feels compact and impressive. It opens into a brilliant midpalate which introduces a sense of energy, minerality and acidity to the composition, laid over a bed of sweet caramelised apricot and orange fruit. With its notes of powdered chalk and acid drive this is clearly youthful, with impressive vigour. An excellent showing and a vintage with decades of cellaring potential ahead of it. Hold for now. (Apr 2022)”

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): “A blend of 70% Semillon and 30% 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. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2025-2065. (9/4/23)”

96-98 points Wine Enthusiast: “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.. (Jun 2011)”

97 points Wine Spectator: “[$750 list] 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. Best from 2015 through 2045. (11/15/14)”

97 points James Suckling: “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. Drink in 2018. (2/2/13)”

97 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): “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. (Apr 2022)”

97 points (18.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: “The 2010 perfectly illustrates the classicism of the cru, both in its balance and in its blend, which includes 11% Sauvignon. It will need at least ten years to begin to truly express itself. (Jan 2013)”