Ratings & Tasting Notes:

No tasting notes found.

Cult Wines International Notes:

Château d’Yquem, a name synonymous with unparalleled dessert wine, has for centuries captivated wine lovers with its luminous amber hues and extraordinary complexity. This Sauternes icon, lauded by figures like Thomas Jefferson and Tsar Alexander I, seamlessly blends dessert and wine into an intoxicatingly sweet and irresistibly splendid experience.

Founded in the 1300s, Château d’Yquem has spent 700 years perfecting its craft. From early ownership by the Eyquem family to its eventual acquisition by LVMH in 2004, the estate has undergone several transitions. Notably, it stands as the only Château with a Premier Cru Supérieur rating, a testament to its exceptional quality. While the LVMH acquisition initially sparked controversy, it has ultimately led to refined vintages and enhanced marketing.

Perched atop Sauternes’ highest hill, Château d’Yquem benefits from a unique terroir. Its 113-hectare vineyard, with its warm, dry gravel topsoil and clay subsoil, fosters the growth of Botrytis cinerea. Under specific conditions, this fungus transforms into “noble rot,” crucial for the concentrated sweetness and unique flavor profile of Sauternes wines.

The vineyard, predominantly planted with Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, undergoes meticulous hand-harvesting, ensuring only perfectly rotted grapes are selected. Due to the challenges of cultivating noble rot and the estate’s rigorous selection process, production is limited, and some vintages are not released.

The ideal drinking age for Château d’Yquem remains a subject of debate. The estate suggests enjoying it at any stage. Younger vintages showcase vibrant fruit aromas like apricot and mandarin, complemented by vanilla oak. Older vintages reveal complex dried fruit, spice, and floral notes.

Regardless of age, d’Yquem is known for its exceptionally long finish, silky texture, and perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and subtle bitterness. Each vintage offers a unique and unforgettable sensory experience.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.

Outstanding condition. Beautiful color & clarity