CHATEAU D'YQUEM 1er Cru Classe Superieur - Sauternes 2019 HALF

Description

The 2019 Château d’Yquem is a compelling vintage that highlights freshness and elegance, with a notable higher proportion of Sauvignon Blanc (45%) contributing to its vibrant profile. Its harvest, amid a warm, wet season with a brief window, delivered grapes of exceptional quality. The wine offers intense peach, apricot, lemon, and orange zest, making it delightful to enjoy immediately, while also promising further development with 10+ years of cellaring. Critics praise its purity, finesse, and harmonious balance: Decanter awards it 97 points for its freshness and potential longevity, while James Suckling scores it 96 points, noting its salted caramel, dried orange, and long, creamy finish. VINOUS gives it 95+, admiring its pure, finely integrated oak and crème brûlée notes. An elegant and poised Yquem, destined to evolve beautifully over time.

*****

DECANTER 97 points
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2060
The 2019 vintage of Château d'Yquem has the highest proportion (45%) of Sauvignon Blanc in any modern Yquem. The Sauvignon Blanc adds to the freshness, acting as a great balance to the succulent, sweet and voluptuous palate. Intense peach and apricot, combined with lemon and orange zest, make this highly appealing to drink right away – an ideal vintage with which to start Yquem’s ‘lighthouse’ project. However, it would be a shame not to give this 10+ years maturation to see how it develops. Very well, I suspect. The growing season was both warm and wet, with mildew a big threat. After a mostly dry September, 40mm rain came at the end of the month, leading to a very short harvest window. All of the Yquem grapes were picked in two tries within a one-week period. Residual Sugar: 138g/L. - Tasted by: Andy Howard MW (at London, 09 Feb 2022) Part of Château d'Yquem 2019 vintage release alongside new initiative

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points
A juicy Yquem with tarte tartin, salted caramel and dried oranges on the nose and palate. Medium-to full-bodied and medium-sweet with a creamy and round texture. Bright and vivid. Lovely texture. Long. Evolves to caramel and burnt vanilla sugar. 55% semillon and 45% sauvignon. 138g/L residual. Drink or hold.

VINOUS 95+ points
The 2019 Yquem has a flirtatious bouquet with yellow plum, honeysuckle and jasmine developing with time. Fine purity, though not showstopping complexity. The palate is smooth and pure. Very nicely integrated oak, creamy, touches of vanilla and crème brûlée towards the finish. This is a quite gorgeous Yquem, though I am certain that given more time to open it would have merited a higher score. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

JANCIS ROBINSON 18.5++ points
Drink 2022 - 2039
Dried fruit, pure and direct. Succulent and juicy, super-concentrated length. Lighter than usual, but no compromise on the complexity. It has the magic of Yquem in a slim-fit package. Not the most hedonistic, but certainly in the top class of Sauternes. (RH)

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ABOUT CHATEAU D'YQUEM
Château d'Yquem is one of the most prestigious wineries in the world, located in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. Renowned for its exceptional sweet wines, d'Yquem holds a unique status as both a Premier Cru Supérieur and a legendary name synonymous with quality and luxury in the wine industry. The estate's history dates back to the 16th century, with a legacy that has continued to evolve while maintaining its commitment to excellence.

The vineyards of Château d'Yquem encompass approximately 113 hectares, primarily planted with Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The unique terroir of the estate, characterized by a blend of gravel, sand, and clay soil, coupled with the region's perfect conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), allows for the production of some of the most opulent and complex sweet wines in the world.

The winemaking process at Château d'Yquem is meticulous and labor-intensive. Grapes are hand-harvested in multiple selective passes to ensure that only the finest, botrytised fruit is gathered. The fermentation takes place in oak barrels, where the wine is aged for an extended period, often exceeding three years, which develops its luxurious texture and remarkable complexity. The result is a wine that is rich, aromatic, and well-balanced, often exhibiting notes of apricot, honey, citrus, and spices.

Château d'Yquem is known for its extraordinary aging potential, with many vintages capable of developing for decades, if not centuries. The wines are celebrated for their ability to combine sweetness with acidity, creating a harmonious and timeless experience.

In addition to its focus on quality, Château d'Yquem is dedicated to sustainable viticulture, employing practices that preserve the vineyard's health and biodiversity. The estate welcomes visitors for guided tours and tastings, providing an opportunity to experience the beauty of Sauternes and the craftsmanship behind its legendary wines.

As Château d'Yquem continues to uphold its legacy, it remains a symbol of excellence in the world of fine wine, consistently producing some of the most coveted and iconic sweet wines known for their unparalleled quality and character.