2016 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Half Bottle (375ml)
It’s hard to taste a sip of Château d’Yquem Sauternes and not be transported. It’s one of the most ethereal, sublime sweet wines you can put in your mouth. From Jefferson and Washington to the Tsars of Russia, d’Yquem’s list of fans is centuries old and many thousands of names long. We invite you to commune with them.
It’s hard to taste a sip of Château d’Yquem Sauternes and not be transported. It’s one of the most ethereal, sublime sweet wines you can put in your mouth. From Jefferson and Washington to the Tsars of Russia, d’Yquem’s list of fans is centuries old and many thousands of names long. We invite you to commune with them. D’Yquem [DEE-kemm] is a blend of primarily Sémillon (80%) and Sauvignon Blanc (20%), from fanatically low yields—one vine typically produces one glass or less. Pickers typically pick the 90-hectare vineyard in 6 passes to ensure that only perfectly botrytised fruit is harvested. The level of care exercised here is simply unparalleled in the world, let alone France. Its perfumes of honey, crème brulée, pineapple, apricot, and exotic spices are simply intoxicating. In order to fully appreciate what we’re describing, you should experience this wine with some bottle age. Not many wines can age 50-100+ years and still reveal an astonishing delicacy and grace at the table.
James Suckling
A very classic Yquem. Breathtakingly wide spectrum of floral honey, exotic fruit (passion fruit, mango and pineapple), caramel and marzipan aromas. But none of this is a jot too much. In fact, the wine is extremely precise and finely nuanced. Wonderful freshness and textural complexity, in spite of the considerable concentration and extravagance. Very suave and sensual finish that goes on and on. Drink or hold.
Wine Advocate
Containing 135 grams per liter of residual sugar, the pale lemon-gold colored 2016 d'Yquem leaps from the glass with honeyed apricots, pineapple, green mango, crushed rocks, candied ginger, coriander seed and citrus peel with hints of orange blossom. The palate is very tightly wound, vibrant and refreshing with layer upon layer of minerals and spices, finishing with epic poise and persistence.
Wine Enthusiast
The bouquet opens with aromas of honey and citrus, offering richness and freshness at the same time. The mouthfeel is opulent, with honeyed flavors. There is some acidity underneath, although decadence and concentration are its defining attributes. It will age for decades.
Wine Spectator
This is exotic, with very lush and seductive notes of coconut, honeysuckle, creamed white peach, glazed pear, mirabelle plum and yellow apple, all woven together seamlessly. Beautifully caressing in feel, with a long acacia echo on the finish.