Chateau d'Yquem - Sauternes 2020

Chateau d'Yquem is one of those mythical wines, known throughout the world by name and bearing a unique imprint in the style of the prestigious estate. The legend of this exceptional Sauternes goes back through 400 years of history. Thanks to the archives of the chateau and the Gironde department, early records already attest to a certain way of managing the vineyard and the practice of late harvest at Yquem from the end of the 16th century. The chateau and then the vineyard were managed under the influence of the Sauvage family. Françoise Josephine d'Yquem married Count Louis Amedee Lur-Saluces in 1785. Following his death three years later, she took over the estate, gradually transforming Chateau d'Yquem into a property with a borderless reputation.

The hard work of Lady Yquem was rewarded only after her death. In 1855, Chateau d'Yquem became the only property recognized as a Premier Cru Superior, under the official classification established at the request of the Emperor Napoleon III for the World Fair in Paris. Since then, Chateau d'Yquem has entered a new era, thanks to the acquisition of the property by the LVMH Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton group.

Of the 113 hectares of vines belonging to Chateau d'Yquem, only a hundred are in production, with Semillon representing the majority of the grapes planted (75%), supplemented by Sauvignon Blanc (25%). Chateau d'Yquem benefits from an exceptional micro-climate, whereby the Ciron, a small tributary of the Garonne, plays a decisive role in the development of noble rot. It is thanks to the morning fogs of autumn that Botritys cinerea grows on the bunches, drying them out and concentrating the sugars and aromas within.

Chateau d'Yquem is famous for having mastered the process of harvest through successive sorting. From vineyard work to bottling, the production of a Sauternes wine from Chateau d'Yquem illustrates a know-how requiring an extremely long process, with close attention paid at each step.

With a yield limited to one glass per vine, Chateau d'Yquem is a Sauternes wine whose rareness contributes to its prestige. Their eponymous wine is recognizable by its aromatic expression, unique texture and lingering length on the palate. The young vintages display the expressiveness of fruity notes, with aromas of apricot and orange, sometimes evolving woody notes of vanilla or toasted bread, towards the light spicy touches of cinnamon, saffron and liquorice. Designed to be kept, the Sauternes of Chateau Yquem evolves sumptuously throughout time, developing delicious flavors of dried and candied fruits, delicately chiseled by the freshness of floral notes. Harmony, balance, complexity and finesse, the Sauternes of Chateau d'Yquem is a style in itself.

The blend usually contains roughly 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. The wines undergo temperature controlled must racking and fermentation in a brand new vat room dedicated fully to this wine. The blend is aged on lees in barrels (of which only around one third are new and the rest from one previous Yquem wine) for a period of 10 months, with regular stirring.

“The 2020 Yquem, a blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, cropped at a measly 10hl/ha, has a very sensual bouquet. It’s pretty mercurial as it unfolds in the glass, with scents of freshly sliced white peaches, almonds and pineapple. The oak is beautifully integrated, and allowing it further time, there are additional scents of Vervain tea, pressed white flowers and saffron. The palate makes an immediate impact with a mineral-rich, surprisingly saline entry that lends it edginess right from the off. The poise in this Yquem rivets you to the spot. Compared to recent vintages, this keeps everything buttoned down and tightly controlled until the finish, whereupon it fans out with nascent swagger. Stem ginger, caramelized pear and orange rind notes are delivered with excellent delineation. This animated and opulent Yquem is destined to age gracefully over the coming decades.” - 97 Points, Vinous

“A masterclass in purity and delicacy for this 2020 vintage which manages to convey the beauty and allure of Yquem in a toned down, subtle and beguiling way. Aromas of white blossom and honeysuckle, gently caramelised Mirabelle plums and fresh apricots with flecks of clementine and grapefruit pith abound on the nose - richly scented in their individual aspects but delivered quietly, almost sultry and shy. Immediately mouthfilling and unctuous, streamlined and fresh with a sugary hit hitting first before mouthwatering acidity follows giving sumptuous succulence and vibrancy. Apricot, peach, fleshy mango and sharp pineapple give the exotic fruit zing balanced by a salty, flintiness that adds faint angles to the expression. Juicy, bright, clean and complete with hints of cinnamon spice and just-toasted bread providing the frame and structure reminding you that this is built to last. It's not as opulent as some vintages, much more understated and relaxed - and coincidentally one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135g/l - but this is a wonderful expression with control and confidence on show. It also has supreme drinkability even now with tension, clarity and energy so don't be afraid to open and enjoy this in its joyful youth. The 2020 is the smallest production since 2000.” - 96 Points, Decanter 

“Very transparent and elegant with white peaches, lilacs, and light caramel. Medium-bodied, sweet and agile with salted caramel and dried orange character. Spicy botrytis at the end. Give this three or four years to come together.” - 96 Points, James Suckling

Producer: Chateau d'Yquem

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc

Appellation: Bordeaux

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml