The Estate
Château d’Yquem, located in the Sauternes appellation south of Bordeaux, is a mythical estate whose origins date back to 1593. In the 17th century, the Sauvage d’Yquem family took over the property and began shaping the vineyard as we know it today. The wine quickly gained international acclaim, notably thanks to Thomas Jefferson, an enlightened connoisseur who introduced it to the American court. In 1855, during the famous classification commissioned by Napoleon III, Yquem was the only estate to receive the distinction of Premier Cru Supérieur, forever sealing its status as a global icon.
The estate covers more than 100 hectares of vineyards, planted mainly with Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc. This exceptional terroir consists of a mosaic of clay-gravel and sandy-limestone soils that provide ideal drainage. But it's the local microclimate—shaped by the nearby Ciron River, which generates morning mists in the fall—that encourages the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), essential for producing exceptional sweet wines. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, in multiple passes through the vineyard, picking only the most concentrated grapes one by one.
Since its acquisition by the LVMH group in 1999, Château d’Yquem has continued to blend tradition and innovation. Pierre Lurton, who also heads Cheval Blanc, manages the estate with both precision and elegance. The château remains committed to its uncompromising standards: in certain years, such as 2012, no wine is bottled if it does not meet Yquem’s exacting quality. More recently, the estate has introduced a dry white wine called "Y", combining freshness, tension, and nobility. With every vintage, Château d’Yquem represents the pinnacle of sweet wine, a masterpiece of patience, precision, and natural magic.
The Wine
Une nouvelle année tout en fraicheur, marquée par un printemps humide et un été sec. Le peu de pluie jusqu'à mi-octobre retardent les vendanges qui ne débutent que le 15/10. La première trie est de haut niveau, mais à partir du 23/10 la pluie s'installe durablement et le degré peine à remonter. Une moitié des tries de novembre sera réservée à l'Y. Un millésime complexe qui exigera une sélection draconienne, pour très peu d’Yquem.
