2005 Yquem

Dried figs, saffron, white peaches, grilled pineapple, cumin, butterscotch, beeswax, blood orange, pink grapefruit, elegant with taut acidities that play with the lusicous, rich opulence of the core of this beautiful wine. 141g/l residual sugar, harvest began on September 19th right through to October 28, after the driest year since 1877. Last tasted in 2022.

RS 150 g/l. Mid gold. Dried apricot and mixed peel. Already tastes drier than the 2016, as the fruit desiccates. Treacle, honey, floral, glutinous, expansive. Lengthy, but perhaps doesn't show so much gorgeousness as the 2021, although that is to pick nits – this is still a superb example of Sauternes. They age almost indefinitely, of course – but I personally wouldn't want this fruit to dry out any further. (RH)

The 2005 d'Yquem continues to drink beautifully today, evoking aromas of honey, saffron, vanilla pod, apricot, jasmine and orange peel. Full-bodied, sensual and juicy, it’s medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture and a perfectly balanced palate, finishing fruity and racy. Although still a little closed and in a rather discreet phase, it has magnificent aging potential, and readers with bottles in their cellars should leave them to mature for 10 to 20 years.