100 POINTS FROM JAMES SUCKLING SAYING:
“Dreamy, subtle aromas of dried fruit such as apricots and mangoes, but also fresh lemons and pears. Then there are caramel and tart tatin undertones with some bananas, pineapple, tangerines and other tropical fruit. Full-bodied, yet it remains vivid and compact, giving it a lightness even though it is really structured. The tannins are throughout the palate but blend in perfectly, giving it a solid presence, like a a diamond. It’s tight at the end, but you know that it will linger for ages, with a lightly chewy and intellectual finish. Touches of sweetness, cloves and bitterness to make it interesting. Dynamic. About 54,000 bottles made. Relatively small harvest. 148 g/L residual sugar.”

97 POINTS FROM WINE INDEPENDENT SAYING:
“The 2021 d’Yquem is composed of 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 148 grams per liter of residual sugar making for a relatively rich style and the sweetest Yquem since 2017. Pale lemon-gold colored perfumed notes of orange peel juicy peaches grapefruit and honeycomb slowly emerge from the glass followed by suggestions of jasmine tea fresh ginger and lime blossoms. The palate is fantastically satiny with great tension and loads of spicy sparks complementing the citrusy flavors finishing with epic length and a zesty lift. 54000 bottles were made. The alcohol is 13.9% and the pH is 3.79.”

BACKGROUND:
Château d’Yquem is one of the most famous wine estates in the world, known for producing what is widely regarded as the finest sweet wine, located in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. Established in 1593, the château has a storied history and has been under the Lur-Saluces family ownership for much of its existence. The estate spans over 100 hectares, with vines planted on unique gravel, clay, and limestone soils, perfectly suited for producing Sauternes wines. Château d’Yquem is particularly known for its mastery of “noble rot” (Botrytis cinerea), a crucial element in the production of its signature sweet wine, which is celebrated for its extraordinary richness, complexity, and ability to age for decades, even centuries.

The pleasure derived from tasting Yquem is difficult to describe. It offers a myriad of well-balanced, complex flavors that generate even more harmonies over time. The impression that remains is reminiscent of a quote from Frédéric Dard “the silence that follows a piece by Mozart, in which the listener remains suffused with the music”. This reflects the fact that Château d’Yquem stays on the palate for a remarkable long time, providing a unique, prolonged pleasure. There is a lovely expression in French to describe Yquem’s tremendously long aftertaste: il fait la queue du paon, which means that it spreads out like a peacock’s tail.

The nose is beautifully expressive, offering a rich bouquet of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, along with apricot, peach, and citrus zest. Floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom mingle with hints of vanilla, almond, and a subtle minerality.

On the palate, the wine is luscious and full-bodied, yet remarkably elegant. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity, creating a harmonious and refreshing experience. Flavors mirror the nose, with ripe stone fruits, tropical fruits, and citrus interwoven with honey, almond, and a touch of spice. The wine’s texture is silky and smooth, leading to a long, lingering finish.