CHATEAU D'YQUEM 1er Cru Classe Superieur - Sauternes 1949 Bottle (01*)

Description

* High Shoulder/No Wrapper

IN BRIEF
Château d’Yquem 1er Cru Classé Supérieur 1949 is a remarkable Sauternes, celebrated for its unparalleled richness and finesse. Often regarded as one of the finest vintages, it displays a luminous amber-gold hue and enticing aromas of ripe apricot, honeycomb, and preserved citrus, with hints of vanilla and spice. The palate reveals a velvety texture filled with lush fruit, elegant caramel, and refined oak. Rated 98 points by Vinous, this vintage showcases extraordinary persistence and an energetic profile. Exemplifying the pinnacle of Sauternes craftsmanship, it promises to age beautifully for decades, making it a cherished addition for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Château d’Yquem 1er Cru Classé Supérieur from the 1949 vintage is a rare and extraordinary expression of Sauternes, celebrated for its unparalleled richness, finesse, and remarkable aging potential. This vintage is often hailed as one of the greatest ever produced at Yquem, showcasing the estate's commitment to excellence in sweet wine production.

With a luminous amber-gold hue, the wine offers an enticing visual cue of its extensive maturation. The nose is a captivating blend of fragrant aromas, including ripe apricot, honeycomb, and preserved citrus, harmoniously layered with delicate hints of vanilla and subtle spice. These complex aromas are a testament to the meticulous winemaking and ideal climatic conditions of the vintage.

On the palate, the 1949 Château d’Yquem reveals a luxuriously velvety texture, filled with layers of lush fruit, elegant caramel, and refined oak. The sweetness is glorious and lingering, providing a mouthfeel that is both indulgent and satisfying. Critics have been equally impressed, with Vinous awarding this vintage an impressive 98 points, noting its divine, energetic profile and extraordinary persistence on the finish.

The 1949 vintage was shaped by unique climatic conditions that resulted in low yields and exceptional quality. This masterpiece not only reflects the heights of Sauternes craftsmanship but also stands as an age-defying icon poised to evolve beautifully over the coming decades. With nearly a century of history behind it, this wine promises to maintain its elegance and character, making it a cherished addition for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

In summary, the 1949 Château d’Yquem is a sublime example of vintage Sauternes, exemplifying the pinnacle of winemaking artistry and the timeless appeal of this iconic estate.

VINOUS 98 points
Drinking Window 2023 - 2070
From: Vinous Table: Noble Rot - Mayfair, London, UK (Jun 2023)
The 1949 Yquem is a vintage that I have not encountered. I will quote the official château website, which gives a succinct overview of the vintage… “This year had record temperatures as well as drought conditions that caused the biggest forest fire France has ever known. Showers in May and June limited water stress, and light showers in early September gave rise to botrytis. The whole crop was brought in thanks to just two passes [between September 27 and October 17]. Yields were low, but quality high.” Well, this bottle was divine. Iridescent in color, the bouquet explodes from the glass with a chorus line of Seville orange marmalade, quince and a distant tang of an outdoor lido, a trait that I often find in Sauternes in this era. The aromatics are brilliantly defined. The palate is tensile and energetic, a Yquem with real edge, tangy marmalade and freshly sliced apricot, a little drier on the finish than the 1947 but with otherworldly persistence. It is a fabulous Sauternes that will gallop to a century-old without breaking a sweat.

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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.