Who makes it?
Château d'Yquem stands as the undisputed benchmark for luxury dessert wines, boasting a rich heritage that dates back to December 1593 when Jacques de Sauvage acquired the "House of Yquem." The estate’s prestige flourished under the stewardship of the Lur-Saluces family, who took ownership in 1785. Its legendary status was cemented early in history; during his time in France, Thomas Jefferson declared it the "best white wine of France," famously ordering 250 bottles of the 1784 vintage for himself and George Washington. Today, after centuries of family dedication and a transition to the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton portfolio in the late 1990s, the château continues to define excellence under the direction of Pierre Lurton, maintaining a commitment to quality so rigorous that entire vintages are rejected if they do not meet the estate's exacting standards.
How is it made?
Located in the heart of the Sauternes appellation south of Bordeaux, the Château d’Yquem vineyard spans 126 hectares of a unique gravelly-sandy terroir. The estate focuses on a precise blend of Sémillon (75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25%). Production is a labor-intensive labor of love; harvesting only occurs when "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea) has perfectly concentrated the sugars in the grapes. This requires the vineyard team to perform an average of six selective "tries" (passes) through the vines to ensure only the finest botrytized berries are picked. With yields restricted to just nine hectolitres per hectare—significantly lower than the regional average—every bottle represents the essence of the vine. The juice is then pressed three times and matured in 100% new oak barrels for approximately three years, resulting in a wine of unparalleled concentration and longevity.
What does it taste like?
The Château d'Yquem 2016 is a masterpiece of purity and airy elegance, shaped by an exceptionally hot and dry summer. On the nose, it unveils a complex aromatic palette, leading with refreshing white flowers and white fruits before deepening into indulgent notes of mango, vanilla, and beeswax. The palate is a sensory journey, offering a lush, liqueur-like texture balanced by a vibrant, energetic acidity that prevents the sweetness from feeling heavy. Layers of exotic fruit, marzipan, and candied citrus lead into a suave, sensual finish that resonates with hints of caramel and honey. Described by critics as incredibly precise and finely nuanced, this "comet vintage" is poised for a magnificent evolution, offering the textural complexity that makes Yquem the most sought-after sweet wine in the world.
