Opening an improperly stored bottle
This was effectively a “free bottle” purchased years ago — it arrived in June pre-Covid with signs of seepage due to no temperature control during a cross country transit. I was issued a refund. At the time I didn’t know any better and stored it in the back of a refrigerator for five years. There were signs of it leaking in the fridge so it was opened. Now I’ve gotten better on storage, and deeper into Sauternes which is easily one of my favorite wines to collect.
So this half bottle of 2010 Chateau d’Yquem, while still satisfying, feels muted. I get a sense of orange marmalade and apricot jam, with hints of vanilla and a clover honey. But it’s very muted and I question how much is real flavor versus my brain imputing what it could have been.
Live and learn!