The Producer
Château d’Yquem is an absolute legend of the Bordeaux vineyard. Located in Sauternes, it is the only estate to have been classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification, a distinction that has never been matched. Its history has been patiently written since the 17th century, driven by an extreme demand for quality and a constant quest for perfection. Each vintage is the result of uncompromising choices: when the conditions are not deemed ideal, the wine is simply not produced, further enhancing the mythical character of the château.
The terroir of Yquem is unique, resting on a mosaic of gravelly and clay-sandy soils perfectly suited for Sémillon, the predominant grape variety, complemented by Sauvignon blanc. The proximity of the Ciron and Garonne rivers creates an exceptional microclimate that favors the development of botrytis cinerea, the famous noble rot. This natural alchemy allows for an extreme concentration of the grapes, harvested by hand through successive selections, sometimes berry by berry.
Today, Château d’Yquem remains a global reference for sweet wines, recognized for its unparalleled balance of richness, freshness, and longevity. Capable of spanning decades, even centuries, each bottle embodies a timeless vision of great wine. Between rigorous tradition and modern technical mastery, Yquem continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors, affirming its status as an absolute icon of wine.
The Wine
La viticulture du Château d’Yquem repose sur une sélection parcellaire extrêmement précise, avec des rendements très faibles et des vendanges manuelles réalisées en plusieurs tries afin de ne récolter que les raisins parfaitement botrytisés. La vinification s’effectue séparément pour chaque parcelle, avec des fermentations lentes en barriques de chêne neuf, permettant de préserver la pureté aromatique et la concentration naturelle du vin. L’élevage, d’une durée d’environ 20 à 24 mois, affine l’équilibre entre richesse, fraîcheur et complexité, signature intemporelle du grand vin d’Yquem.
Tasting
With its bright golden colour, the wine offers a complex bouquet of candied fruits, fine honey, ripe citrus and subtle spicy notes. The palate is full and precise, driven by a generous liqueur perfectly balanced by persistent freshness, leading to a long and elegant finish. A wine of great class and depth, it shows a remarkable ageing potential, capable of evolving harmoniously over several decades.
Scores and Notes
93
Wine Spectator