By Chateau d'Yquem
2005 Sauternes

Climate Notes
The weather from the end of the 2004 vintage until the end of the 2005 vintage was extremely dry. Only 487 mm of rain fell between November 2004 and October 2005, causing a record-breaking water deficit of over 40%. Only two months out of twelve had average rainfall. 2005 was the second driest year since 1897 (after 1906 and just ahead of 1989, both of which were great successes at Yquem). As has often been the case over the past 20 years, temperatures were much greater than average. Taking into consideration the period from June to October 2005 is the 5th hottest vintage in 110 years (after 2003, 1949, 1921, and 1899, but ahead of 1906 or 1947 - all years synonymous with quality). The excellent weather in the month of June meant that flowering was especially even. This led us to expect a good, but not overly abundant crop. The distribution of bunches on the vines was ideal. They were not too close together, so there was no need for green harvesting. The hot weather in early summer became more temperate in August. This helped to maintain precious acidity and avoid excessive hydric stress.

Harvest Notes
The first week of September was hot and dry. About 30 mm of tepid rain fell from the 8th to the 12th of September, which we though would lead to a rather premature explosion of Botrytis. Fortunately, however, very windy and cool (morning temperatures of 7 degrees C for a week) weather set in. This toned down the spread of noble rot and made sure that the grapes stayed healthy. The harvest started with a few concentrated grapes, especially Sauvignon Blanc, on the 19th and 20th of September. This first wave of picking was very quick (100 hectares were covered in two days). This gave Botrytis cinerea the time to spread throughout the whole vineyard and to work its magic on the remaining (perfectly healthy) grapes. Temperatures rose from the 26th to the 30th, after which we were once again able to go out into the vineyards. We brought in a sizeable amount of fruit from plots of Sauvignon Blanc and other early-maturing plots with gravel soil. The ideal weather continued, and we were able to begin a third wave of picking between the 3rd and the 5th of October, practically finishing in the above-mentioned plots. We took a break until October 8th to enable the grapes on later-maturing clay soils, on the northern and eastern slopes, to attain perfect ripeness. The 4th wave of picking started from the 8th to the 12th of October in the heart of the estate. Juice from Semillon grapes featured a beautiful and rare aromatic purity. Scattered showers on the 12th and 13th of October reactivated Botrytis on the rest of the crop. At this point, the temperature becomes quite summerlike (25 degrees C in the afternoon and over 15 degrees C at night). Concentration took place very quickly, and the harvest was able to continue. The 5th wave of picking lasted from the 17th to the 20th of October, and the 6th and final wave took place from the 24th to the 28th of that same month.

Winemaking Notes
The different lots of grapes displayed a great range of flavours and aromas. This diversity was also reflected in variations of fermentability. Thanks to our experience and expertise, we were able to control this complex variability, often a sign of the greatest vintages. A look at winemaking and weather conditions in 2005, comparing them to the great vintages of the past, confirms that this is indeed an outstanding year.

Tasting Notes
Lovely, brilliant, golden-yellow colour. Concentrated nose of apricot compote, dried fruit, and figs with vanilla and floral (jasmine and acacia blossom) aromas. The bouquet opens up after swirling in the glass to reveal extremely fresh citrus zest overtones that emphasize the wine's subtle refinement. 2005 Yquem starts out deliciously suave and caressing on the palate, with perfect balance. The fresh acidity and elegance complement the wine's restrained power, giving it incredible class. There are strong flavours of gingerbread, orange nonette cakes, and liquorice followed by a gorgeous acid tang that underpins the wine's beautiful, long aftertaste - on a par with the chateau's most illustrious vintages. The tremendously varied and complex flavours all seem to vibrate on the same wavelength, melting into a subtle whole. Once this is experienced, there is an irresistible urge to plunge back into this sensual, infinitely rich universe.
[Information provided by Opera Wine]

CHATEAU D'YQUEM Sauternes 2005
Points: 98
Report Date: January, 2016
Producer: Chateau d'Yquem
Vintage: 2005
Drinking Window: 2016-2045
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Sauternes
Importer: Moet-Hennessy USA
The 2005 the growing season at Chateau d'Yquem was excellent; moderate water stress, a temperate end to the summer season conducive to good acidity, alternating periods of rain and dry heat for optimum botrytisation. The result is a completely compelling Sauternes with substantial complexity. Citrus fruits, nectarine, white peach, apricot, honeysuckle, pineapple, white florals, green tea and ginseng just begin to describe the nuances this offers. On the palate this is displays a rich, viscous, round texture with remarkable balance and extraordinary layers of complex flavors which continue to carry on long into the supple finish. This is simply delicious today and an absolute pleasure to taste, but there is no doubt this is still in the beginning of its evolution and has a long future ahead. (Best 2016-2045) - January, 2016 (JD)

CHATEAU D'YQUEM Sauternes 2005
Score: 97
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Issue: Web Only - 2012
This has a deliciously pure feel, with juicy, inviting green plum, ginger, heather, creamed pineapple and Jonagold apple flavors all melded together and gliding through the lengthy finish, which echoes with lilting flowers and dried citrus notes. Best from 2015 through 2045. -JM

Chateau d'Yquem 2005 Sauternes
Points: 97
Special Designation: Cellar Selection
Price: $800
Variety: Bordeaux-style White Blend, White Blend
Appellation: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Winery: Chateau d'Yquem
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Importer: Chateau d'Yquem
Date Published: 12/1/2009
This isn't sweet, but just so wonderfully rich. It's the concentration of botrytis that makes the wine. The texture is velvet, but with a spicy bite to it. Apricot, honey and marzipan all contribute to a wine that will age over decades.

2005 Chateau d'Yquem
France, Bordeaux, Sauternes
Rating: 96
Producer: Chateau d'Yquem
Color: White
Type: Sweet
Sweetness: Sweet
Variety: Proprietary Blend
Drink Date: 2025 - 2060
Issue Date: 29th Jun 2016
Source: 225, The Wine Advocate
Reviewed by Neal Martin
Tasted at the property 12 months on from my last visit, my note for the Chateau d'Yquem 2005 is almost exactly the same. I feel that there is still just a little new oak to be resolved on the nose. But the palate is extremely well balanced, perhaps just a little nuttier than I remember from 12 months ago, with hints of white chocolate and creme brulee just appearing on the finish. This needs another decade, but it is a very serious Yquem in the making. Tasted April 2015.

CHATEAU D'YQUEM SAUTERNES
Score: 95
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Vintage: 2005
Date: May 29th, 2012
What an incredible nose of flowers, honey, spices such as clove, and sandalwood. With time, decadent aromas of apple tart and crumble develop. Full and very round on the palate, this is medium sweet with a velvety texture. Flavors of honey, apple and pear tart appear on the long finish. This is so beautiful, hard not to drink now but will greatly improve with more time.

Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France 2005
Points: 94
Drink: 2015-2035
Producer: Chateau d'Yquem
Taster: Stephen Brook
Tasted at: Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2015
Not a truly great vintage in Sauternes, but an exquisite wine. Delicate apricot and passionfruit aromas, elegant rather than explosive. Fine attack, bright and fresh, very intense and tangy, with stone-fruits and barleysugar flavours. Beautifully textured with vivid acidity.

Ch d'Yquem 2005 Sauternes
Producer: Ch d'Yquem
Vintage: 2005
Appellation: Sauternes
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Score: 16/20
Colour: White
When to drink: 2015 - 2025
Published: 8 Mar 2017
Date tasted: 23 Feb 2017
Reviewer: Jancis Robinson
Tasted blind. Very evolved nose. Lots of sweetness but not much complexity. This did not stand out for any of us blind tasters. A bottle problem?