Château d’Yquem 2018

 Château d’Yquem is considered by many to be one of the greatest – if not the greatest – wines in Bordeaux.  This luscious, weighty, complexly honeyed nectar has captivated the palates of many throughout the ages.  From critics such as Robert Parker who swear by this wine, to United States Presidents of yore like Thomas Jefferson, there is one thing they can all agree on – Château d’Yquem is one of the best wines in the world. 
 
The history of this estate is a lengthy one, dating back to the middle ages when it was owned by the King of England.  Over a century later, the property was acquired by Jacques Sauvage, who had the château built within the Sauternes appellation.  The same château still stands to this day.  Château d’Yquem produced Sauternes in 1666 and hosts a lengthy legacy of perfecting the craft of this high-risk endeavor.  For those familiar with Sauternes,  they will understand that in order for a producer to craft the honeyed nectar of Sauternes, significant portions of the vineyard must be infected with the noble rot or botrytis cinera.  This noble rot raisinates the grapes just prior to the harvest and vinification process and the result is a truly memorable wine with a rich consistency, lingering finish, and honeyed taste.  Sauternes production is a risky business– as nature can be incredibly fickle and the cultivation of botrytis is very much left to chance.  If the rot does not infect enough of the vineyards, high-ranking producers like Château d’Yquem will abstain from crafting a vintage all together.  Because of this, each successful vintage of Sauternes is a treasure meant to be celebrated in its own right, and producers that achieve the quality level of Château d’Yquem are truly remarkable vignerons. 
 
Château d’Yquem is blessed with some truly exceptional terroir, and it is the only producer that is classified as a First Growth Premier Cru Superieur within the appellation.   The 113 hectare property is planted in the highest elevation of the Sauternes appellation at an impressive 80 meters above sea level.  The microclimate is very unique to Château d’Yquem, with gentle winds that remove excessive moisture – but allow just enough to cultivate the noble rot.  The estate hosts limestone and clay soils of myriad colors.  Interestingly enough, Château d’Yquem hosts the same blue clay as the legendary Pomerol producer, Château Petrus.  The plantings of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are harvested by hand, berry by berry, in a series of multiple passes.  The wine is then vinified in New French oak, with the assistance of Pierre Lurton – who is also associated with the legendary Saint-Émilion estate Château Cheval Blanc. 
 
Château d’Yquem is a wine that any person should experience at least once.  It is surprisingly versatile, and though distinctly honeyed, it pairs with a plethora of dishes.  Sauternes is a stunning alternative to dry wines when paired with poultry dishes and is exceptional with cheeses of any kind.  The wine’s sweetness contrasts beautifully with exotically flavored and spicy dishes as well. 

“An intense and glossy wine, full of satin-textured apricot and white peach flavours. There are exotic fruits of pineapple and mango but winemaker Sandrine Garbay has kept a focus on fresher flavours of lime zest and citrus that balance out the natural richness and concentration. Pretty closed right now, but there is power and balance here, an excellent Yquem.” Jane Anson (Decanter) Ratings: 97