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

Description

Château d’Yquem Y Ygrec d’Yquem 2022 is a finely made dry white that marries citrus clarity with textured weight. Pale straw, it opens with citrus blossom, lemon zest and green apple, then white peach, pear and white florals; gentle lees and faint beeswax add depth. Medium bodied and sleek, a saline mineral seam and bright acidity give energy while lemon curd and quince add mid palate richness. Light toast from restrained oak brings almond praline on the finish without masking varietal purity. Approachable now but will reward short to medium cellaring. Drink 2026 to 2034. Pair with lobster, scallops, sole meunière or goat cheese tart. Critics: James Suckling 95; The Wine Independent 93 plus.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Chateau d'Yquem Y Ygrec d'Yquem Bordeaux Blanc 2022 is a finely made dry white from a house synonymous with precision and texture, offering brightness and depth that echo the estate’s grander bottlings. The colour is pale straw with a luminous core. The nose opens with lifted citrus blossom, lemon zest and green apple, followed by ripe white peach and a hint of pear. With gentle airing the bouquet broadens to include white florals, crushed chalk and a faint herbaceous note, while subtle wild fennel and a delicate beeswax nuance suggest the wine’s careful élevage.

On the palate the wine is medium bodied with a sleek, saline driven profile and a refined textural weight. Primary citrus and orchard fruit interplay with a bright seam of acidity that keeps the wine energetic and precise rather than opulent. Mid palate depth comes through in the form of lemon curd, white peach and a touch of quince, balanced by fine phenolic grip and a chalky mineral thread that provides tension and length. A light toasty character from restrained barrel ageing adds complexity without masking the varietal clarity, contributing notes of almond praline and pastry crust on the finish.

The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux combined generally warm conditions with cool nights at key moments, preserving freshness while allowing phenolic ripeness; at Ygrec the result is a wine that marries immediacy with structural poise. This bottling displays the house focus on texture and balance, delivering a concentrated yet poised white that is both food friendly and ageworthy.

Approachable now, the 2022 will also reward short to medium term cellaring as tertiary nuances knit with the primary fruit. Drink 2026 to 2034, peaking 2028 to 2032. Serve chilled with lobster, scallops, sole meuniere, grilled sea bass, or goat cheese tart to showcase the wine’s citrus clarity, saline minerality and refined texture.

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

-----

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.