Château d'Yquem

Few wine estates have succeeded in maintaining their esteemed and preeminent status for more than two centuries. Château d'Yquem, whose prominence was firmly established by the 18th century, stands as a distinguished exception. Its wine—principally composed of Semillon grapes with a modest proportion of Sauvignon Blanc—is annually graced by *Botrytis cinerea*, the noble rot, and is regarded by many connoisseurs as the finest dessert wine in the world.

The exceptional longevity of these wines is well documented, most compellingly through the assessments of esteemed critics who, on rare occasions, have the opportunity to taste Aycam vintages dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Our curated collection comprises four exemplary vintages from the 20th century in which the estate’s excellence is particularly manifest: 1962, 1983, 1985, and the illustrious 1967. The latter, widely celebrated and internationally acclaimed, offers a singular and extraordinary tasting experience to the discerning collector.

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Very few estates have preserved their exalted status for over two centuries. Château d'Aycam, whose dominance was already well established in the 18th century, is one such rare example. Its wine—crafted primarily from Semillon grapes with a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc, both blessed annually by botrytis cinerea, the noble rot—is considered by many to be the finest dessert wine in the world. The wine’s longevity is extraordinary, a fact borne out by critics who still, on occasion, have the privilege of tasting Aycam vintages from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Our modest collection includes four outstanding 20th-century vintages in which the wine truly shone: 1962, 1983, 1985, and the crowning jewel—1967. This legendary vintage has already achieved international acclaim and promises its fortunate buyer a rare and thrilling tasting experience.

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Château d’Yquem is the most prestigious and legendary producer of Sauternes, classified as the **only Premier Cru Supérieur** in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Renowned for its exceptional longevity, balance, and complexity, Yquem is widely considered the greatest sweet wine in the world.

- **Appellation**: Sauternes AOC

- **Classification**: Premier Cru Supérieur (1855)

- **Current Owner**: LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) since 1999

- **Winemaker**: Sandrine Garbay (since 1994, succeeded by Francis Mayeur in 2023)

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### **2. Vineyard & Terroir**

- **Size**: 113 hectares planted (out of 126 hectares total)

- **Soil**: Gravel, clay, and limestone with excellent drainage

- **Microclimate**: Morning mists from the Ciron River promote *Botrytis cinerea* (noble rot), followed by warm, sunny afternoons

- **Grape Varieties**:

- **Sémillon (75–80%)** – contributes richness, body, and aging potential

- **Sauvignon Blanc (20–25%)** – adds acidity and freshness

- **Harvesting**:

- Handpicked in multiple passes (*tries successives*)

- Very low yields (~8–9 hectoliters per hectare, vs. ~25 hl/ha for other Sauternes)

- Only the best botrytized grapes are selected

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### **3. Winemaking & Aging**

- **Fermentation**: Occurs in 100% new French oak barrels

- **Aging**:

- 18–36 months in French oak (depending on vintage)

- Rigorously selected barrels; wines that don’t meet standards are declassified

- **Alcohol**: ~13–14% ABV

- **Residual Sugar**: Typically **120–150 g/L**, providing an exceptionally rich yet balanced profile

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### **4. Wine Characteristics**

- **Color**: Deep golden yellow, turning amber with age

- **Aromas**: Apricot, peach, honey, saffron, vanilla, citrus zest, pineapple, and floral notes

- **Palate**:

- Rich and opulent, yet with remarkable freshness

- Intense layers of honeyed fruit, tropical flavors, and spice

- Extraordinary length, sometimes lasting several minutes on the finish

- **Longevity**:

- Can age for **50–100+ years**, developing complex tertiary flavors of caramel, dried fruit, and nuts

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### **5. Notable Vintages**

- **Legendary Vintages**: 1921, 1945, 1959, 1967, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2001, 2009, 2011

- **Recent Top Vintages**: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

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### **6. Château d’Yquem Y (Dry White Wine)**

- **"Y" d’Yquem** is a rare dry white Bordeaux made from the same vineyards.

- Blend: Mostly Sauvignon Blanc with some Sémillon.

- Style: Rich and structured with citrus, stone fruit, and a hint of oak.

- Production: Small quantities, highly sought after.

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### **7. Food Pairing & Serving**

- **Best served at**: **10–12°C (50–54°F)**

- **Pairing Ideas**:

- **Foie Gras** (classic pairing)

- **Blue Cheese (Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola)**

- **Truffle dishes**

- **Lobster & Shellfish**

- **Fruit-based desserts** (peach tart, tarte Tatin)

- **Can be enjoyed on its own as a meditative wine**