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.
