2017 "Y" d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
Grapefruit, dried apricots, pineapple with lemon peel and lime give a clean, crisp aromatic expression. At 75% of the blend, Sauvignon Blanc’s characteristics of lemongrass, apple and herbaceousness come through with a lively and vibrant energy offset by Semillon’s viscous, creamy honeysuckle and vanilla complexity bringing weight and a soft sugary hit, showing that grapes were slightly affected by botrytis and the wine's 7g/L residual sugar. Aged in 80% ex-Yquem barrels.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Harvest started on 16 August. Around 75% Sauvignon, 25% Sémillon (with a small proportion of botrytis). RS 7 g/l. Strongly aromatic, really singing with herbs, peach and apricot – it's more like Rhône than Loire. It's powerful but balanced, with the acid working well too. Rich and indulgent, with length and breadth and every dimension. (RH)
Pungent catty aromas. Really quite unusual, with an oily and citric aroma. Sweetly creamy palate with soft acidity for Sauvignon Blanc. Orange sherbet and mint leaf to finish. Lengthy, sweetly spiced style. (RH)
This is an exotic dry white with dried mango and pineapple and some slate throughout. Full-bodied with dense, rich fruit and saltiness, which, together with extremely energetic acidity, really drive the finish. Drink now or hold.
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.