d'Yquem Sauternes 2005 375ml

100 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "The wine blends the most beautifully rich consitution imaginable with an immediate freshness and elegance previously unheard of, which places this wine in a category of its own. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "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. (2012)"

97 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Lucid in colour, the bouquet is detailed with very pure honey, vanilla and almond scents, still a little new oak to be fully assimilated but demonstrating superb focus. The palate is virtually identical to last year's bottle: exquisite balance and perfectly judged acidity, but perhaps just gaining a little richness and viscosity over the last 12 months. There is an appealing completeness to this Yquem and whilst I would not place it amongst the likes of 2001 or 2009, it comfortably sits just behind. Drink: 2020-2050. (Jun 2015)"

97 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$800/750ml list] This isn't sweet, just so wonderfully rich. It's the concentration of botrytis that makes the wine. The texture is velvet, but with a spicy bit to it. Apricot, honey and marzipan all contribute to a wine that will age over decades. Cellar Selection. (12/1/09)"

95-98 points Robert Parker (Apr 2008).

19.5/20 points Decanter: "Once again, first among firsts. The bouquet highlights the great concentration and sheer beauty and purity of the fruit. The wine has enormous length and opulence with exceptional succulence. Tropical, (especially pineapple) fruit aromas and flavours. All this enlivened with a lovely freshness - simply 'hors classe'."

96 points Neal Marin (Wine Advocate): "Served from an ex-chateau bottle. The 2005 Chateau d’Yquem is similar to the 2006 in that it deserves aeration. The bouquet is well-defined, although there is clearly some new oak that will need another two or three years to fully integrate. The aromatics seem to show a little more botrytis than the 2006, richer and headier. The palate is unctuous on the entry, beautifully balanced and lacquers the mouth in pure honeyed fruit interlaced with white pepper, quince jus and nectarine. Comparing the two, the 2006 has a little more tension and race, although the 2005 has a touch more persistency. The 2006 may well turn out to be the better of the two vintages in the long run (hence the plus sign), although the 1995 is a Yquem with panache to spare. Drink now-2040. Tasted March 2014."