Château d'Yquem 2013
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The precision and purity of an iconic Sauternes wine
The producer
Château d'Yquem’s reputation has been built up over the last 400 years, culminating in 1855 when it was raised to the rank of Premier Cru Classé Supérieur in the official classification ordered by Napoleon III for the Universal Exhibition in Paris. The only name to have reached this level, Yquem is undoubtedly one of the legends of fine wines.
The vineyard
Château d'Yquem has a hundred hectares under production, planted with 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. The Ciron River, a tributary of the Garonne, is essential in the production of Sauternes wines and provides an exceptional micro-climate for the vines of the estate. Indeed, it is thanks this micro-climate that the morning fogs develop in autumn, just before the harvest, leading to the appearance of the noble rot, Botrytis Cinerea. In addition to the characteristics of both the terroir and the climate, Château d'Yquem's reputation also owes a great deal to its know-how and its high standards. With a drastically limited yield, Château d'Yquem produces Sauternes wines whose rarity only adds to its prestige.
The wine
This vintage - " A magnificent year for sweet wines" according to Pierre Lurton - could be the culmination of Yquem’s style.
The blend
Château d'Yquem 2013 comprises a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
The tasting
Colour
Brilliant, the colour is a beautiful golden yellow, backed by a beautiful shine
Nose
Enchanting, precise and of great purity, this wine reveals fragrances of fresh mango, dried lime blossom and candied ginger. The botrytis cinerea is brilliant. With agitation, notes of ginger and black tea mingle together, backed by a beautiful minerality.
Palate
The attack is delicious and chiselled. A seducing and gourmet palate with aromas of white pepper, marmalade, fresh pineapple and fresh hazelnut. The finish of this fine Sauternes wine is beautifully persistent. A precise, clean and complete wine. Château d'Yquem in all its glory.
Firstly, you notice the color, which is a touch deeper than recent vintages at this stage. The bouquet is quite honeyed and rich for Yquem at this early juncture, with subtle scents of peach skin, white flowers, and a puff of chalk and frangipane. The palate is viscous on the entry, all about the texture at first, coating the mouth with luscious botrytized fruit. There are touches of Seville orange marmalade, fresh apricot, a hint of spice and passion fruit. This is imbued with impressive depth and weight, perhaps an Yquem that is determined to make an impression after last year-s absence. It might not possess the finesse of a top flight Yquem, but it has immense power and persistency.