Intense, with a wide range of maple, hazelnut-singed piecrust and apple crumble notes, all offset beautifully by a taut orange zest accent that imparts tension and length to balance the broad, rich core. Ends with a viscous feel and lingering energy. (JM, Web-2014)

80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc. After a relatively mild winter, temperatures shot up in April, and were more in keeping with a beautiful month of May. This obviously had an effect on vine growth and the first flowers appeared on 11 May, some two weeks earlier than average. While minimum temperatures were slightly higher than usual thereafter, maximum temperatures began to drop. This tendency increased as the season went on, and the summer ended up being fairly cool. Furthermore, it rained heavily (twice the average amount) and more frequently (3 days out of 4) in May and June. Flowering was thus upset, and spread over four weeks. Harvest 10 September to 7 October. Deep orangey gold. Complex nose. Rather fat and waxy with lots of development. Masses of palate weight. Very precise definition on the palate initially although on the finish it's already a bit diffuse. This would be a good Yquem to enjoy now, or any time over the next decade or two. 17.5/20 points. (JR)