2006 d'Yquem
By Chateau d'Yquem
2006 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
In the world of fine wines, certain names are suffused with an enigmatic allure, one such being the 2006 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem—the quintessence of Sauternes winemaking. As I recall the conditions of 2006, we witnessed a year marked by climatic dichotomies which contributed significantly to the character of this noble cuvée. It calls to memory the balance of significant dry periods and timely autumnal rains crucial for the development of noble rot—botrytis cinerea—that hallmark, which imparts the storied complexity to the wines of this distinguished estate.
2006: A Vintage Shaped by Nature's Whims
The harvest began posthaste in late September—underscored by tension and anticipation, as winemakers at the venerated Sauternes estate awaited optimal botrytis concentration. The resulting wine is a tapestry woven with golden threads of candied citrus, apricot marmalade, and an intoxicating botrytic complexity. Beyond its hedonistic bouquet lies a linear minerality providing finesse—a conspicuous trait that denotes this exceptional vintage within the broader anthology of Chateau d'Yquem’s offerings.
Anchored in history yet dazzlingly vibrant today, the 2006 vintage represents an investment-worthy treasure. Its vivacious acidity not only assures longevity but also complements its sumptuous sweetness, rendering it a model of impeccable balance that would grace any connoisseur's collection with distinction.
An Oenophile’s Investment Delight
For those astute investors seeking to diversify their portfolio with fine wines, the 2006 d'Yquem exhibits all the traits one would desire; rarity, reputation, and remarkable ageing potential. As a wine critic with ample encounters against my palate, I attest to its evolving layers of complexity that will continue to unfold over time—a promise this nectar holds unfalteringly.
Concluding Notes on the 2006 d'Yquem
To summarise my encounter with the 2006 vintage from Chateau d'Yquem: it is an exquisite example of how nature’s variances are harnessed into vinous poetry. A specimen that mirrors the trials and triumphs of its year, fashioned into liquid gold by legendary craftsmanship—this is a wine with a narrative sewn into every sip. Aficionados and investors alike would be wise to consider its esteemed place within their collection.
Market price (CAD)
$4,350.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
153.53
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This is tightly coiled on the nose, honey, a touch of ginger, barley sugar and a touch of brown sugar. Quite complex but it needs time. The palate is excellent with crystalline, honeyed fruit, superb balance with hints of honeysuckle, beeswax, apricot and marmalade. Superb balance and poise towards the elegant, graceful finish with fine persistency. This is a fantastic d’Yquem that I fear may be overlooked thanks to the ’07 or ‘09. A regal Yquem. Tasted January 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2010
While no surprise here, this wine, which will be bottled in 2009, is certainly this estate’s greatest effort since their 2001. It completely outclasses everything from the appellation, but even when you’re number one, that’s often hard to do. This light gold wine offers up a sensational smorgasbord of aromas including huge honeyed pineapple and other caramelized tropical fruit flavors, massive richness, and a viscous, unctuous texture with the oak beautifully integrated. The wine has enough acidity to buttress its full-bodied mouthfeel, but this is not by any means the sweetest or most alcoholic of the d’Yquems I have tasted. In fact, in the range of d’Yquems, this is a powerful wine, but it is one built more on finesse and elegance, a la the 1988. Nevertheless, this wine will prove to have 50+ years of longevity. The finish, the mid-palate, the sensation of looking at a skyscraper of Semillon with a small dosage of Sauvignon, is impressive. Like all of the sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes, one can drink this young, but the nuances and complexities really don’t emerge for at least a decade, especially in the case of a wine such as this. Bravo!
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009
Medium lemon-gold colored, the 2006 d'Yquem is a little reticent at this stage, slowly revealing notes of pineapple pastry, dried apple slices, orange preserves and spice cake plus nuances of crème brûlée, preserved ginger, nutmeg and baking bread. The palate offers mouth-coating tropical fruit and baking spice layers with a seductive oiliness to the texture and loads of citrus sparks, finishing with bold freshness and amazing length. Allow it just a couple more years in bottle to get over this slightly muted hump, then drink it for the next 25+ years. For number crunchers: 13.8% alcohol, 122 grams per liter residual sugar, and total acidity is 4.2 grams per liter H2SO4.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2019