Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2021 - 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.

Two welcome rains in mid-September and early October, followed by three weeks of dry, cool, and sunny weather, created an ideal window for botrytis. Strikingly vibrant from the start, the nose reveals notes of candied lemon, mango, and bitter orange against a backdrop of cedar and sweet spices. Full-bodied and energetic from the first sip, the wine unfolds into a voluptuous, creamy, and caressing palate, with a more floral expression, subtly underpinned by remarkable freshness that elongates and illuminates the fruit in a salty, bittersweet finish. A moved jury described it as a masterpiece of elegance and purity. A true work of art. 2030–2050

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.

 

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.

Subtle, dreamlike aromas of dried fruits such as apricot and mango, as well as fresh lemon and pear. This is followed by notes of caramel and Tarte Tatin, with hints of banana, pineapple, mandarin, and other tropical fruits. Full-bodied, it remains lively and compact, giving it a surprising lightness despite its imposing structure. The tannins, present on the palate, blend perfectly, giving it a solid presence, much like a diamond. The finish is taut but promises remarkable length, with a slightly full-bodied texture and beautiful complexity. Hints of sweetness, clove, and bitterness lend it great complexity. A dynamic wine. Approximately 54,000 bottles produced. A relatively modest harvest. 148 g/L of residual sugar.

Thanks to the windy climate of the area, the Yquem vineyards were largely spared from frost. Aside from the frost episode, the season was challenging; Lorenzo Pasquini, Yquem’s director, explains: “Every problem you can encounter in viticulture occurred… but in the end, the growing season concluded with 17 days of fine weather, without excessive temperatures.” Aged in 100% new oak. The bouquet immediately reveals a very distinctive character, unique to Yquem, with intensity but, above all, a wealth of nuances. Subtle nuances of coconut, nougat, crème brûlée, orange zest, verbena, and finally a hint of earthiness. As it opens up, the nose continues to reveal new elements (mangoes, apricots, and peppermint). The attack, dense and creamy, heralds a powerful, fresh, and harmonious wine, perfectly supported by its structure. The balance between sweet and savory is perfect. The aromatic nuances encountered on the nose reappear on the mid-palate and finish. The aromatic character is enhanced by freshness and acidity, while the sweetness is just one element among many. The wine’s progression across the palate is indicative of its complexity; Yquem reveals itself step by step, while conveying its grandeur and depth. The wine is rich, full-bodied, smooth, and persistent. It features beautiful bitter notes on the finish that underscore not only its intensity but also its persistence. The finish feels endless. Inviting and captivating, the 2021 Yquem promises enjoyment in its youth, right now, but also in 100 years (probably)—though in the latter case, it will be future generations who will enjoy it! Now – 2121

The nose is beautifully light, elegant, fresh, and full-bodied, revealing a broad range of aromas and excellent definition. It offers a hint of spice, a crystalline character, and notes of quince, cardamom, and—more subtly—ripe citrus fruits, combined with...

The complex aromatic profile bursts forth in the glass with notes of pineapple, papaya, apricot, Meyer lemon, mandarin peel, caramel, honey, vanilla, saffron, cashews, and candied grapefruit. On the palate, it strikes the perfect balance between hedonism and vibrancy. It is clearly very sweet, but its refined acidity lends it incredible liveliness, energy, and length on the finish. The fruit expresses its full purity through notes of mandarin, orange, mango, papaya, banana, and pineapple, all enveloped in honey. This is one of those Yquem wines that can be enjoyed either as a sweet wine or, thanks to its vibrancy, paired with a wide variety of savory and spicy dishes. Produced from a blend of 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 148 grams per liter, 14% alcohol, pH 3.79. Yields were only 8 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place over a long period, from September 12 to October 27, with a total of four passes. As you can see, the harvest was quite long, but the core of the vintage was harvested between mid-October and late October. Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2075.