An iconic, exquisite symphony of tropical fruits, honey, and floral notes, guaranteed to elevate any special occasion.
Producer
Château d'Yquem
Region
Sauternes, Bordeaux
Country
France
Varietal Composition
65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc
Specifications
2021
Vintage
2051
Drink By
14
%
ABV
Vinification
Botrytis-affected grapes are vinified and aged in new French oak - 148 g/L residual sugar
Occasional wine note
This beautiful historic wine from the Sauternes region of Bordeaux is perhaps the most sought after French dessert wines. It is the 1st Premier Cru Supérieur from the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, but its history goes back to the 1500s. Sauternes is renown for being just right for making botrytis/noble rot wines, and this Château located in the best parcels. This is a special dessert wine, but it's not just for dessert. This goes well with spicy foods, foie gras, poultry, shellfish. This has traditionally been the last of the wines we enjoy at our Thanksgiving table.
What experts say about this wine
100
/
100
James Suckling
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.
98
/
100
Wine Cellar Insider
The complex aromatic profile explodes from the glass with pineapple, papaya, apricot, Meyer lemon, tangerine peels, caramel, honey, vanilla, saffron, cashews, and candied grapefruit in the aromatic profile. The palate resides perfectly in the middle of hedonism, and vibrancy. Clearly, there is ample sweetness, but the racy acidity provides incredible lift, energy, and length. The fruit expresses purity in its tangerines, oranges, mango, papaya, banana, and pineapples all slathered in honey. This is one of those Yquem's that can be enjoyed either as a sweet wine, or due to its vibrancy, with a diverse array of savory, and spicy dishes.
pairing recommendation
Crème brûlée
Caramel
Toffee
Pie
Spicy Food
Foie Gras
Oysters
Asian Fare
Poultry
Pungent Cheese
100
2021 Château d'Yquem
375
ml
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