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98
/ 100
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98
/ 100
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97
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97
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Great wines are not born just anywhere. At Château d’Yquem, a rare equilibrium of climate and terroir creates a wine like no other. As the only estate classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification, Yquem represents the pinnacle of Sauternes. The estate’s delicate and unique microclimate allows for the formation of noble rot, shaping a wine of remarkable elegance and complexity.
Château d’Yquem 2019 is a model of purity and harmony, shaped by a warm and dry growing season. Bursting with notes of pineapple, candied citrus, and acacia honey, the wine offers an opulent yet beautifully poised palate. Flavours of peach, vanilla, and spice are lifted by precise acidity, creating an extraordinary balance between richness and freshness. With its impeccable structure and long ageing potential, the 2019 vintage is a refined and collectible expression of this iconic château.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Dessert
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon
Vintage: 2019
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux, Graves
Alcohol %: 14.0%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
98 / 100"Owners LVMH took the decision to delay the release of the 2019 Yquem until spring 2022. It was tasted with winemaker Sandrine Garbay in London. After the summer drought when Sauternes received just 2.5mm of rain until 26 July, that day saw a 112mm deluge that replenished underground reserves and gave ripening the push it needed. Dry and warm conditions prevailed throughout September when there was no sign of botrytis infection. That was finally provoked by 38mm of rain between 21 and 25 of September, followed by warm clement weather. After minor picking of Sauvignon Blanc on 7 of October, the main harvest began in earnest on 10 October. Pickers worked over the following five days, including Sunday. Time was of the essence because, as forecasts predicted, the weather suddenly changed on 14 of October with 40mm or rain. After that, the picking teams skirted between showers between 17 and 22 of October, though by now the fruit had begun to deteriorate. Therefore, the key aspect of this Yquem is the extremely tight picking window. The final blend contains 138g/L residual sugar, which is slightly less than the previous vintage, with 5.5g/L total acidity and 14.4% alcohol. Tasting the 2019, I noticed that it has a slightly paler hue compared to recent vintages (though I never read too (more...)"
- Neil Martin
98 / 100
"Light, yellow, gold in color, the wine pops on the nose with its showy display of flowers, honeysuckle, candied apricots, orange rind, pineapple, mango, lemongrass, vanilla and spice. Perched on the corner of richness, sweetness and acidity, the wine is opulent, fresh, sweet, rich and most-importantly, lifted, so everything feels upbeat and racy on the backend. Because the wine has so much lift and energy, it will be easy to pair with a diverse array of cuisines. You can enjoy this young, without much if any age for its sweetness and exuberance. Or age it for secondary characteristics and nuances. Produced from a blend of 55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc , 2019 has the highest percentage of Sauvignon Blanc ever used in d'Yquem. You find more Sauvignon Blanc this year due to the shortened picking window. But as you can see from my notes, or from tasting the wine, it really works here! Drink from 2025-2075. - Tasted: Mar 2022 - Jeff Leve"
- The Wine Cellar Insider
97 / 100
"A beautiful wine, that I describe as showing 'Clear push and pull between acidity and lusciousness from the first moments'. A higher percentage of Sauvignon Blanc than in a typical year, showing in sculpted gun smoke and white truffle on the opening beats. Fresher flavours continue with lemongrass and lime zest, broadening out into luscious mango, grilled caramel, pineapple and brioche, and a welcome edge of bitterness on the finish with mandarin peel and oyster shell salinity."
- Jane Anson
97 / 100
"The 2019 vintage of Château d'Yquem has the highest proportion (45%) of Sauvignon Blanc in any modern Yquem. The Sauvignon Blanc adds to the freshness, acting as a great balance to the succulent, sweet and voluptuous palate. Intense peach and apricot, combined with lemon and orange zest, make this highly appealing to drink right away – an ideal vintage with which to start Yquem’s ‘lighthouse’ project. However, it would be a shame not to give this 10+ years maturation to see how it develops. Very well, I suspect. The growing season was both warm and wet, with mildew a big threat. After a mostly dry September, 40mm rain came at the end of the month, leading to a very short harvest window. All of the Yquem grapes were picked in two tries within a one-week period."
- Decanter