2020, Château d'Yquem, SAUTERNES, 1er Cru Grand Cru Classé Superieur, 375ml

Bordeaux Blend: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc.

Produced from 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc with 135 g/L of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. The 2020 Yquem is supremely elegant, a taut, refined, effortless wine of length and poise. Initially this is quite an extrovert showing plenty of exotic fruits such as pineapple, mandarin and orange peel. It’s airy and graceful, yet there’s wonderful intensity and vitality on the palate. Although focussed and direct, we were impressed by the breadth to the flavours: hints of spice, brioche, marmalade, apricot and lemon zest. This wonderfully crystalline Yquem is already expressive and a joy to taste, however, we have no doubt this is a wine of real finesse and botrytis character, which will evolve and develop gracefully over many decades. Justerini & Brooks, London.

“The 2020 Château d'Yquem a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 135 grams per litre of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. Pale lemon-gold coloured, citrus and baking spice notes emerge slowly from the glass, rising to offer well-defined scents of candied ginger, orange blossoms, allspice, and almond tart, leading to a flamboyant core of peach, ripe, juicy pineapple, jasmine tea, and apple butter with a waft of saffron. The palate is full-bodied and characteristically rich, yet possesses impressive tension and therefore stunning harmony. Layers of exotic spices and fragrant white flower accents fill the palate, leading to a long finish with lingering chalk and mineral nuances. It’s a showy Yquem that is gregarious in youth but is reserving that extra something for those with the patience to wait twenty years or more.” 97+ – Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Independent.

"A masterclass in purity and delicacy for this 2020 vintage which manages to convey the beauty and allure of Yquem in a toned down, subtle and beguiling way. Aromas of white blossom and honeysuckle, gently caramelised Mirabelle plums and fresh apricots with flecks of clementine and grapefruit pith abound on the nose - richly scented in their individual aspects but delivered quietly, almost sultry and shy. Immediately mouthfilling and unctuous, streamlined and fresh with a sugary hit hitting first before mouthwatering acidity follows giving sumptuous succulence and vibrancy. Apricot, peach, fleshy mango and sharp pineapple give the exotic fruit zing balanced by a salty, flintiness that adds faint angles to the expression. Juicy, bright, clean and complete with hints of cinnamon spice and just-toasted bread providing the frame and structure reminding you that this is built to last. It's not as opulent as some vintages, much more understated and relaxed - and coincidentally one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135g/l - but this is a wonderful expression with control and confidence on show. It also has supreme drinkability even now with tension, clarity and energy so don't be afraid to open and enjoy this in its joyful youth. The 2020 is the smallest production since 2000 with an equivalent of 35,000 bottles made. All stock will be released for sale on 23rd March with only a small number of bottles kept back for the estate's library collection. 3.79pH. The vintage was challenging in terms of viticulture with tropical spring-like weather delivering early budburst and high mildew pressure, especially given it was the estate's first year of official organic conversion. June was wet and cool followed by a hot, dry summer. Botrytis arrived in mid-October but there was only a small window of five days and two separate passes to harvest grapes with perfect noble rot." 96/100 Georgina Hindle, Decanter Magazine.