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Sweet sweet
“Château d’Yquem 2020” is the only Bordeaux wine classified as a “Premier Cru Supérieur” in the 1855 Classification, produced in the Sauternes appellation. Its distinction lies not only in its classification, but also in the vineyard itself and the exceptionally selective harvesting process: grapes are picked only when affected by Botrytis cinerea and when they reach the required concentration of sugar, acidity and aromas.
The nose initially reveals white peach, almond and pineapple. As the wine warms and opens in the glass, notes of verbena tea, white flowers and saffron emerge, followed by tones of caramelised pear and orange zest. On the palate, the wine has a dense, silky texture, while its structure is supported by acidity and a mineral, slightly saline character. The sweetness is balanced by citrus freshness, preventing the wine from feeling simply sweet or heavy. The finish is long, with lingering notes of ginger, caramelised pear and orange zest.
The “Yquem” vineyards are located in the Sauternes region, where autumn morning mists followed by drier afternoons create the conditions necessary for noble rot. Grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea lose part of their water, increasing the concentration of sugars, acids and aromatic compounds. This is why the harvest at “Yquem” is not carried out in a single pass: pickers return to the vineyard repeatedly, selecting only grapes that have reached the desired level of ripeness.
The grapes are pressed several times, while fermentation at “Yquem” takes place in new oak barrels. The 2020 vintage was aged in these barrels for 22 months, shorter than the 36-month period traditionally used in previous decades. The barrels are regularly topped up, the wine is racked several times, and the final blend is assembled only after prolonged evaluation and selection of the individual lots.
The 2020 vintage was particularly small, yielding just 10 hl/ha. The key harvesting period took place from 16 to 21 October, when autumn rains allowed Botrytis to develop intensively. The final blend consists of 75% 'Sémillon' and 25% 'Sauvignon Blanc', with approximately 135 g/l of residual sugar.
Serve at a temperature of 10–12 °C; pair with foie gras, lobster with a lightly spiced sauce, and Roquefort or another blue cheese.
Château d’Yquem – a true Bordeaux legend whose history spans more than four centuries. In the Middle Ages, the estate belonged to the King of England, and in 1593 the Sauvage family acquired the property, laying the foundations of today’s vineyard and introducing the distinctive practice of late harvesting. In 1711, under Louis XIV, they became full owners of Yquem. In the 18th–19th centuries, Yquem’s reputation was cemented by Françoise Joséphine de Sauvage d’Yquem, whose remarkable leadership during the turbulent years of the French Revolution secured the estate’s international acclaim. By the late 19th century, Château d’Yquem had become the benchmark of Sauternes, a wine for which aristocrats were willing to pay astronomical prices. In the 20th century, the Lur-Saluces family safeguarded the estate’s philosophy with dedication. Since 1999, it has been owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton, and today Château d’Yquem remains the ultimate symbol of sweet wine excellence worldwide.
Wine Style
Château d’Yquem is celebrated for its unparalleled combination of elegance, richness, and precision. It is the only Sauternes producer classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. The wine is crafted from ‘Sémillon’ and ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The result is a wine bursting with concentrated aromas of apricot, peach, candied orange peel, honey, spice, and vanilla, balanced by vibrant acidity and a silky texture. Yquem is distinguished not only by its luscious sweetness but also by its extraordinary freshness and harmony, making it the reference point for all sweet wines.
Prestigious Vineyards
The estate comprises about 100 hectares of vineyards in the Barsac and Sauternes appellations, of which only around 65 hectares are harvested each year to maintain the highest quality. The dominant clay-limestone soils combined with a unique microclimate provide the perfect conditions for noble rot. Strict selection – often just a few berries from each bunch – is one of the key elements that sets Yquem apart.
Aging and Drinking Window
Every bottle of Château d’Yquem is the result of extended maturation. The wine is aged for about 36 months in French oak barrels, all of which are new, imparting depth and complexity. While it can be enjoyed young, with its vibrant fruit and freshness, its true greatness unfolds with age – Yquem can mature gracefully for more than a century, retaining its incomparable vitality and harmony.
