Château d'Yquem | Sauternes
Château d'Yquem stands alone in the world of wine. In the comprehensive 1855 Classification of Bordeaux, d'Yquem was the only property declared a Premier Cru Supérieur (Superior First Growth), a rank above all others - both red and sweet. This unique designation confirms its standing as the undisputed benchmark for quality, complexity, and longevity in sweet wine.
Situated on the highest hill in Sauternes, the estate’s history stretches back over 400 years, cultivating a legacy defined by perfectionism, extreme risk, and a relentless commitment to quality over quantity.
The unique character of d'Yquem is entirely dependent on a natural phenomenon known as Botrytis Cinerea, or Noble Rot. In the microclimate of Sauternes (alternating morning mist and afternoon sun), this benevolent fungus attacks the skin of the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The result is that the rot pierces the skin, allowing water to evaporate while concentrating the sugars, acids, and glycerine inside the grape to an extraordinary level. This process also develops new, complex flavour compounds (like saffron and ginger).
The grapes are picked meticulously over several weeks - often passing through the vineyards 6 to 11 times - with pickers selecting only the individual berries that are perfectly shriveled by the rot. It takes the yield of one whole vine to produce just one single glass of Yquem.
Château d'Yquem's commitment to perfection means that in vintages when the quality is not deemed absolutely exceptional, no wine is bottled under the Château d'Yquem name. This dedication, combined with the wine's natural structure, grants it astonishing longevity. Young Yquem is rich and vibrant, but fully mature bottles are known to age for 50, 80, or even 100 years or more, evolving into unparalleled expressions of honey, spice, and complexity.
This dedication, combined with the wine's natural structure, grants it astonishing longevity. Young Yquem is rich and vibrant, but fully mature bottles are known to age for 50, 80, or even 100 years or more, evolving into unparalleled expressions of honey, spice, and complexity.
