2016 Yquem
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2016 Ch. d’Yquem is pale gold, with viscous golden tears that coat the glass. Aromas of acacia honey and beeswax dominate at first, but with air the wine starts to reveal its complex profile. Hints of spring lavender and white lily, candied orange and lemon peel, sugar-coated pecans, ripe pineapple, ginger and lemon meringue pie all mingle – the wine shifting endlessly in the glass. Overall, and as ever with Yquem, it is effortlessly balanced, the luscious sweetness offset by zesty, mouth-watering acidity. The finish is long, elegant and nuanced.
Delicate nose, with hints of white flowers, blossom, lemongrass and lemongrass. Very fresh and crisp while still showing great richness. A serious, mouth-coating wine where peach, ripe pear, grapefruit, and citrus fruit are balanced by good tension and excellent acidity. Extremely long finish, very clean, with a sense of energy and salinity thanks to the superb acidity. Sep 2017, FINE+RARE, Drink: 2017-2027+
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Enthusiast
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Yquem has a more “serious” bouquet than many other Sauternes, more nuanced with dried honey, lanolin, saffron and beeswax. The palate is exquisite, quite intense with pure botrytised fruit, just a patina of extant oak, yet real depth and enormous length. Marvellous, even if I would not place the 2016 in the top tier of Yquem vintages. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Tune in! The new Jane Anson Wine Podcast is live. Check out episode 12: A Culinary Journey with Emily Scott
100% new oak. RS 135 g/l. Tasted blind. Not much nose. Then very sweet barley-sugar palate. Could do with more acidity. But no shortage of sugar! Light toasty note on the end. Sauternes? A rather disappointing bottle but great texture and delicacy. (JR)
About the producer
The undisputed finest sweet wine in the world, Château d'Yquem is the only Premier Cru Supérieur estate in Sauternes, classified in 1855. With a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the château is entwined with that of the Lur-Saluces family – who remain involved today.