CHATEAU D'YQUEM 'Y' Ygrec d'Yquem Bordeaux Blanc 2022 Bottle

Description

The 2020 Château d’Yquem Y (Ygrec) de Château d’Yquem is a vibrant and energetic dry white wine, crafted from 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. It presents a lively bouquet of sliced pear, dried lemon, green melon, lime leaves, white pepper, and sea spray. On the palate, it is racy and medium-bodied, with a satiny texture, zesty layers, and a mineral-driven finish with a touch of bitterness. Critics praise its class and layered complexity: James Suckling awards it 95 points for its minerality, softness, and freshness, while Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW scores it 93+ points, highlighting its impressive vibrancy, mineral notes, and potential for further cellaring. A beautifully dynamic wine, enjoyable now with the promise of aging gracefully over the next 15+ years.

*****

JAMES SUCKLING 95 Points
A minerally and solid Ygrec with sliced pear, dried lemon and some green melon. Full and layered with a lemon-sherbet aftertaste. Soft and bright. Bitter lemon at the finish. Layered. Lively. Classy. 75% sauvignon blanc and 25% semillon. Drink or hold.

THE WINE INDEPENDENT (Lisa Perrotti-Brown) 93+ points
The 2020 Y (Ygrec) de Château d’Yquem skips out of the glass with energetic lemon drops, lime leaves, and green apple notes, plus touches of white pepper, coriander seed, and sea spray. Dry, racy, and medium-bodied, it delivers a satiny texture and tongue-tingling zesty layers with impressive intensity and flare. Shimmering with vibrancy at this youthful stage, it currently offers layered mineral and spice panache while undoubtedly holding something back for cellaring. Fun to drink now, give it a good 4-5 years to really start to shine, then drink it over the next 15-years+.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, March 2022

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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.