Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2016 - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur (37,5cl)

The estate crafted this blend primarily from the mid-harvest selections—which are remarkable for their airy quality—and has once again succeeded in combining power, purity, and drinkability at a level unmatched in the Sauternes region. The 2015 vintage will be slightly more powerful. The 25% Sauvignon contributes to the freshness of the aromas.

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.

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.

 

It has moved away from the pastry notes of its youth to focus instead on hints of citron and mandarin. Its power unfolds with confidence, revealing pure fruit nourished by a rich, full-bodied liqueur. This lends it a masterful balance.

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.

A very classic Yquem. A breathtaking array of floral aromas of honey, exotic fruits (passion fruit, mango, and pineapple), caramel, and marzipan. Yet none of it feels excessive. In fact, the wine is extremely precise and subtly nuanced. It offers wonderful freshness and textural complexity, despite its significant concentration and opulence. A very smooth and sensual finish that lingers on and on. Ready to drink or worth cellaring.

The 2016 Château d'Yquem is pure enchantment, an exceptional dessert wine. With a pale gold color, it offers an exuberant bouquet of honeyed mandarins, tangy apricots, mineral notes, white flowers, and honeysuckle. On the palate, it reveals a full-bodied, generous richness, an opulent texture, lively acidity, and remarkable minerality, without lacking in sweetness or depth. This 2016 vintage is a classic blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon, with an alcohol content of 14.2% and 135 grams of residual sugar. Already complex and approachable, it will age well for 3 to 4 decades. 2019–2054

Aged for 2 years, 100% in new barrels. The wine was transferred to barrels in early September 2018. Golden yellow. The Yquem’s bouquet is very fresh, with notes of white pepper and chalk. It unfolds slowly, revealing aromas of cacao beans, lemongrass, and mirabelle plums. After aeration, I also detect hints of dried apricots, toasted almonds, crème brûlée, and a delicate floral note with a touch of lily of the valley. The attack is full-bodied, creamy, and marked by beautiful aromatic intensity. On the palate, the wine reveals numerous facets, whether in terms of sweetness, elegance, or liveliness. The aromatic expression is intense, from the first sip right through to the finish. I find the minerality and the olfactory characteristics again in the finish. The finish is lively, rich, balanced, and persistent. I haven’t yet mentioned the concept of balance on the palate, and that is indeed the defining characteristic of this Yquem. It lacks a certain depth and a hint of acidity in the finish to further highlight the freshness and fruit, but this in no way detracts from Yquem’s greatness. 2026–2066

The nose is fruity, fresh, and displays a lovely elegance. It features notes of candied lemon, kumquat, and candied pear, combined with subtle hints of peach in syrup, hints of white flowers, as well as subtle hints of sweet spices, fresh almond, and a very subtle hint of honeysuckle. On the palate, it is fruity, beautifully balanced, elegant, and precise, offering lovely smoothness, a nice roundness, good definition, tension, refreshing freshness, delicacy, and a fine texture. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of candied vine peach, candied pear, and, more subtly, lychee, combined with subtle hints of exotic fruits and pineapple in syrup, as well as subtle hints of almond, dried fruit, and very subtle floral notes. Good length. A very lovely, indulgent finish. Hints of pink lychee, exotic fruits, and a subtle hint of nuts linger on the finish. A hint of almond on the aftertaste. (2024+)