Chateau d'Yquem
Sauternes 0.375L 2021
Other years:
2022| Denomination | AOC Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classè |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,375 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Area | Bordeaux (France) |
| Grape varieties | 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon |
| Aging | After fermentation, the wine matures in new barriques; every 3 months it is separated from the lees. It completes its ageing in barriques and is bottled in the fourth spring after the harvest. |
| Other years | 2022 |
- 0.375 L format: half bottle suitable for elegant tastings and wine comparisons
- Grape composition: 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, Sauternes designation with botrytised grapes
- Aromatic profile: notes of dried and cooked fruit, saffron, cinnamon, lime blossom and liquorice
- Taste and finish: hints of apricot, dark plum, mandarin marmalade and a persistent finish
- Ageing: matured in new barriques; ratings 95 Parker, 94 Wine Spectator
Description
What kind of wine it is
Château d’Yquem is a sweet white botrytised wine from Sauternes, created from a meticulous blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Noble rot concentrates the grapes, giving a full and precise profile characterised by a silky and velvety texture. The bouquet reveals intense aromas of dried and cooked fruit, enriched by notes of spices such as cinnamon, saffron and liquorice, as well as delicate hints of linden blossom. On the palate, flavours of apricot, dark plum and mandarin marmalade emerge, interwoven with a subtle almond undertone. The balance between sweetness and acidity ensures a long and satisfying finish.
Where it comes from
This wine originates in the Sauternes area, within the Bordeaux region, where a temperate oceanic climate creates the ideal conditions for the development of noble rot. The soils are composed of layers of clay, sand and gravel, a complex composition that imparts excellent precision on the palate. The very low yield, amounting to nine hectolitres per hectare, is fundamental in defining the rich and structured style that distinguishes it. The area boasts a significant historical heritage, consecrating the estate as the only Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification.
How it is produced
The grapes, freshly harvested, are quickly transported to the winery and subjected to repeated pressings to fully extract the essence of each individual berry. The natural alcoholic fermentation lasts for about three or four weeks, preserving a rich residual sugar content. Afterwards, the wine matures in new barrels, with racking every three months to separate it from the lees and ensure the utmost cleanliness of the aromatic profile. This rigorous maturation in wood continues until bottling, which takes place in the fourth spring after the harvest, enhancing the balance and profound persistence of flavour.
History and Curiosities
Château d’Yquem embodies the excellence of Bordeaux, being the only Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé (Supérieur) since 1855. The 2021 vintage, offered in the refined 0.375 L format, provides an intimate and memorable tasting experience. Aged in new barriques until bottling in the fourth spring following the harvest. Awarded 95 points by Robert Parker, this wine masterfully balances intense sweetness and vibrant freshness, delivering a long and persistent finish.
Awards
-
2021
100/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2021
95/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2021
94/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
10 - 12 °C
Longevity:
15 - 25 years
- Start up year: 1593
- Oenologist: Sandrine Garbay, Lurton, Dubourdieu
- Hectares: 103
Yquem's success stems largely from the site's susceptibility to attack by "noble rot".
Wines from Château d'Yquem are characterised by their complexity, concentration and sweetness. A relatively high acidity helps to balance the wine's sweetness. Another characteristic for which Château d'Yquem wines are known is their longevity. With proper care, a bottle will keep for a century or more. During this time, the fruity overtones will gradually fade and integrate with more complex secondary and tertiary flavours. Read more
| Name | Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 0.375L 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | White dessert wine from grapes with noble rot dessert wine semi-aromatic |
| Denomination | Sauternes AOC |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,375 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Vendor | Chateau d'Yquem |
| Story | History and Curiosities Château d’Yquem embodies the excellence of Bordeaux, being the only Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé (Supérieur) since 1855. The 2021 vintage, offered in the refined 0.375 L format, provides an intimate and memorable tasting experience. Aged in new barriques until bottling in the fourth spring following the harvest. Awarded 95 points by Robert Parker, this wine masterfully balances intense sweetness and vibrant freshness, delivering a long and persistent finish. |
| Origin | Sauternes |
| Climate | Temperate oceanic climate |
| Soil composition | Layers of clay, sand and gravel stacked on top of each other like plates of different thickness and size |
| Yield per hectare | 9 hl/hectare |
| Fermentation | About 3-4 weeks |
| Production technique | As soon as they are harvested, the grapes are quickly transported to the winery and pressed multiple times to completely extract the substances contained in the grape. |
| Wine making | Alcoholic fermentation occurs naturally and lasts about 3-4 weeks, after which the wine will have a residual sugar content of approximately 125 g/l. |
| Aging | After fermentation, the wine matures in new barriques; every 3 months it is separated from the lees. It completes its ageing in barriques and is bottled in the fourth spring after the harvest. |
| Total acidity | 5.63 gr/L |
| PH | 3.85 |
| Residual sugar | 125.0 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |