2016 Chateau d'Yquem, Y, Bordeaux

Colour: White

Vintage: 2016

Region: Bordeaux

% Alcohol: 14.5

In 1855, Chateau d'Yquem was the one estate in Bordeaux deemed to deserve its own classification transcending the 'Premiere Grand Cru Classé' to 'Premiere Grand Cru Classé Superior'. For nearly three centuries it has been widely considered the greatest sweet wine on the planet – the tsars of Russia had it bottled in crystal decanters – Thomas Jefferson spoke openly of its ethereal qualities – even Hannibal Lecter enjoyed the odd tipple. Following the long reign of the Lur-Saluces family, the majority share of the estate was purchased by LVMH in 1996, Alexandre Lur-Saluces remained in charge until 2004 when Pierre Lurton was placed at the helm. With an average yield of 9 hl/ha (one glass per vine), d'Yquem is one of the most rigorously selected wines in Bordeaux.

Tasting Notes and Scores

97 JS

A unique dry white Bordeaux with a cool, fragrant and vibrant personality. Lots of candied citrus and pineapple with hints of almonds and finely chopped fresh herbs. Although quite voluptuous and creamy on the palate, you’d never guess that it had 14.5 per cent alcohol, because of the wonderful, pineapple and lemon freshness. Just a whisker of sweetness at the long, elegant finish. A blend of 75 per cent sauvignon blanc and 25 per cent semillon.

James Suckling

96 WS

Rather rich, with coconut, green fig, creamed pear, yellow apple and jasmine notes all melded together, picking up light acacia and elderflower accents on the finish. Very, very showy, with the underlying cut to pull it off. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. JM

Wine Spectator

92+ LP

The 2016 Ygrec is blended of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon and contains seven grams per liter of residual sugar. It has a very delicate nose of lemon peel, fresh green apples and grapefruit with touches of crushed stones, white pepper, dill seed and lime leaves. Medium-bodied, elegant and very refreshing, with great mineral intensity, it has a lingering citrusy finish.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Wine Advocate

2019-03-29

91 NM

The 2016 Ygrec (or “Y” as it is shown on the label and referred to) is, of course, the dry white from Yquem, and this latest release is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon picked between 5 September and 13 September. It has a fresh, attractive bouquet with citrus peel, Nashi pear, grass clippings and gooseberry, the Sauvignon firmly in the driving seat. The palate is where the Sémillon says: hold on a moment, it’s not all Sauvignon. The texture is waxy, and there are lovely peachy, watermelon notes that dovetail into a saline finish that leaves you wanting more. True, it is not cheap, and you could argue there is a plethora of cheaper alternatives. But they are not Yquem. Tasted September 2017.

Neal Martin

2016 Chateau d'Yquem, Y, Bordeaux