Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2020 - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur

Yquem enjoys a unique status in Bordeaux winemaking, which places it virtually beyond any critical judgment. The approximately 100 hectares under cultivation are divided between Sémillon and Sauvignon, on gravelly hilltops with a more clay-rich subsoil. The estate does not produce small or even average vintages, as it tolerates no compromise. In fact, it chose not to produce the 2012 vintage, as the quality was not deemed high enough for the estate. The LVMH Group (which took it over in 1999 under the leadership of Pierre Lurton, who arrived in 2004), just like the Lur-Saluces family before them (now at Château de Fargues), cannot even imagine taking the easy way out! Yquem deserves its status as the “First among the First” wines of Sauternes more than ever. The inclusion of Sauvignon Blanc in the blends, the flexibility in adapting the aging process to the nature of each vintage, and, of course, a unique agronomic expertise make each vintage an even more refined and balanced celebration than in previous decades, satisfying both our senses and our intellect.

This 2020 vintage is a masterclass in purity and delicacy, successfully conveying the beauty and allure of Yquem in a refined, subtle, and captivating way. Aromas of white flowers and honeysuckle, delicately caramelized mirabelle plums, and fresh apricots, with hints of clementine and grapefruit pulp, abound on the nose—richly fragrant in their individual elements yet delivered gently, almost sensually and shyly. Immediately full-bodied and creamy, refined and fresh, with a hint of sweetness that strikes first before an enticing acidity lends sumptuous succulence and liveliness. Apricot, peach, fleshy mango, and zesty pineapple lend the exotic fruits a zing balanced by a salty, flinty quality that adds subtle edges to the expression. Juicy, brilliant, crisp, and well-rounded, with notes of cinnamon and freshly toasted bread that give it its backbone and structure and remind you that it’s built to last. It isn’t as opulent as some vintages—it’s much more understated and relaxed—and, coincidentally, one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135 g/l—but it’s a wonderful expression, with evident control and self-assurance. It’s also extremely easy to drink, even today, with tension, clarity, and energy, so don’t be afraid to open it and savor it in its joyful youth. 2023–2070

A magnificent 17th-century fortified manor surrounded by vineyards, perched atop the hillsides overlooking the Garonne Valley, Château d’Yquem is—uniquely among grand cru estates—has remained in the same family, first the Sauvages and then the Lur-Saluces, for nearly four hundred years. The estate became the jewel of the Sauternes region as early as the 18th century. In addition to its stability, it benefits from a highly varied and nuanced terroir, composed of a multitude of small hills, with vineyards at the top of the plateau and others midway down and at the bottom of the slopes. This diversity allows the estate to adapt to the vagaries of the climate and is what gives Yquem wine its great complexity. Classified as a Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855—the only one in its category—it has belonged to the LVMH Group since 1999, which entrusted its management to Pierre Lurton in 2004. The transition to organic farming began in 2019.

 

Its intense aroma explores notes of candied orange, complemented by a subtle pastry note. This vintage was aged for 3 months longer than previous vintages, for a total of 24 months. This results in a more harmonious and better-integrated interplay of fruit and oak. Pure and dense, the wine seems to settle with subtle hints of bitterness. A sweet wine that is both full-bodied and vibrant, yet intense and easy to drink. A truly great Sauternes that should be enjoyed young simply for the pleasure of it, despite its potential for centuries of aging.

Recognized as the world’s most famous sweet wine, Yquem has been owned since 1999 by the LVMH Group, led by businessman Bernard Arnault. The château is now led by Pierre Lurton, who also heads Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion. Before him, from 1967 to 2004, Alexandre de Lur Saluces wrote some of the finest chapters in the history of the only wine classified as “Premier Cru Classé Supérieur” in 1855, following in the footsteps of his ancestors. For this wine is perhaps the most consistent in the Bordeaux region over the past hundred years. Even in modest vintages and difficult periods, Yquem has maintained its standing, particularly through its incomparable aging potential. It owes this to a unique terroir, which responds to the development of botrytis like no other, and to the people who have understood and brought out its qualities. While Yquem may not necessarily impress in its youth, it irrevocably pulls ahead of its neighbors after a few years of aging. Tasting an old vintage from the château remains an experience that every lover of sweet wine must have had at least once in their life.

D'Yquem 2020 is a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, grown at a meager yield of 10 liters per hectare. It has a very sensual bouquet. It is quite complex as it opens up in the glass, with aromas of freshly sliced white peaches, almonds, and pineapple. The oak is beautifully integrated, and if you give the wine time to open up, you’ll discover aromas of verbena tea, pressed white flowers, and saffron. The palate makes an immediate impact with a mineral-rich, surprisingly salty attack that lends it a certain liveliness right from the start. The confidence of this Yquem leaves you spellbound. Compared to recent vintages, this wine remains very closed and tightly controlled right up to the finish, where it blossoms with a budding intensity. Notes of ginger, caramelized pear, and orange peel are delivered with excellent definition. This lively and opulent Yquem is destined to age gracefully over the coming decades. 2040–2100

Very clear and elegant, with aromas of white peach, lilac, and a hint of caramel. Medium-bodied, smooth, and lively, with notes of salted caramel and dried orange. A spicy botrytis finish. Give it 3 or 4 years to reach its full potential.

The wine reveals intense notes of fresh fruit—citrus, orange zest, and verbena, for example. The attack is smooth and briny, and the wine displays a lovely creaminess counterbalanced by a brininess that keeps the sweetness in check without overwhelming it, but rather accompanying it all the way to the finish. That’s where the bitterness takes over and extends the finish alongside the acidic structure. The result is a wine of exceptional precision and great length. The advantage for us: we’ll be able to enjoy it at every stage of its life! The freshness of the bouquet is a key element. Now – 2060

Yellow in color, with green highlights. The nose is intense, delicate, fruity, and subtle, with hints of blood orange and undertones of mint and pepper. Meticulously crafted on the palate, extremely refined in texture, and unfolding with great grace, the wine develops spicy notes on a velvety body. The finish is long and of regal precision. It’s simply unbeatable.

It is fresh, lively, and elegant, with a complex core of honeysuckle, dried oranges, apricots, lemon cream, saffron, marzipan, pineapple, vanilla, and just a hint of honey to top it all off. It is crisp and well-defined, with length, purity, structure, and generous acidity that give it fullness, length, and liveliness, as well as richness, balance, and complexity. I love this style of Yquem because it’s a sweet wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with a myriad of savory dishes. So, if you can’t resist it, enjoy it in its youth with all its succulent, sweet, ripe, overripe, and elegant fruit, or let it age for decades so it develops secondary nuances. Best enjoyed between 2025 and 2065.