Château d'Yquem, Sauternes 1er Cru Classé Superieur, Bordeaux, France 2007

Medium gold, already quite evolved. Heady stone fruits and honey on the nose, with generous fruit. Very sweet and succulent but there's fine acidity to balance the palate, which has beguiling sweetness. Very long, with a minty finish, but a tad evolved for a young Yquem.

Befitting a glorious Sauternes vintage, the 2007 Yquem stood out in this tasting like a beacon. Sandrine Garbay notes that it was ‘a great year for noble rot and feels that, like 2001, 2007 is a “classic” expression of Yquem.’ Burnished hue in the glass, remarkably powerful and concentrated with endless layers of flavour. Aged in oak for 2.5 years, remarkably this could still benefit from further ageing and integration of oak. Despite the power and weight, the wine remains fresh and vibrant with driving acidity. Should improve for a decade and drink well for 30-40 years. Residual Sugar: 137g/L.

Soft gold in colour, packed full of generous stone fruit, nectarine and white peach, honeysuckle, white truffle, saffron-laced lemon curd, bitter orange peel, all wrapped up in the satiny texture that makes drinking Yquem feel like the most indulgent of moments. The 2007 vintage was a fairly generous 18hl/ha yield, with 130g/l residual sugar. Winemaker Sandrine Garbay.