Sommelier Profile
Château d'Yquem Sauternes
Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Opulent but balanced, with apricot, marmalade, honey, pineapple, saffron, vanilla, and bright citrus acidity. The texture is unctuous, yet the finish stays lifted and incredibly long.
Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Château d'Yquem sits in Sauternes, where morning mists from the Ciron and Garonne rivers encourage noble rot while sunny afternoons concentrate the grapes. The result is one of the world's benchmark sweet wines.
Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
Sémillon is the core, developing honey, apricot, lanolin, and immense texture under botrytis. Sauvignon Blanc contributes citrus, lift, and aromatic brightness that balances the sweetness.
Gravel, clay, and limestone soils support slow ripening and concentration. Grapes are picked in multiple passes to select botrytized berries, then fermented and aged in oak for richness and longevity.
Apricot, orange marmalade, honey, saffron, pineapple, vanilla, and candied citrus make the bouquet intensely layered and luxurious.
Yquem was classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855, a unique ranking that reflects its historical status among Sauternes estates.