Backed by more than four centuries of history and a reputation that reaches from the palaces of the Russian tsars to the Imperial Court of Japan and even the residence of George Washington, Château d’Yquem is undeniably a symbol of excellence.
400 years of history in the heart of Sauternes
As early as the late 16th century, archival records already attest to the special care given to the vineyard and to late harvesting in Yquem. Under the guidance of the Sauvage family, the estate and its vineyard took shape over the centuries in the heart of Bordeaux. In 1785, Françoise Joséphine d’Yquem married Count Louis Amédée de Lur-Saluces. Widowed three years later, she took the reins of the estate with a determination that elevated it to a property of boundless reputation. In 1855, Château d’Yquem was the only property recognized as Premier Cru Supérieur in the official classification established for the Paris Universal Exposition. The estate has since entered a new chapter of its prestigious history by joining the LVMH Moët Hennessy–Louis Vuitton group.
An exceptional vineyard behind precious bottles
Of the estate’s 113 hectares, only about one hundred are devoted to production. Sémillon reigns supreme (75% of the plantings), harmoniously complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (25%). Château d’Yquem benefits from an exceptional microclimate, where the Ciron, a modest tributary of the Garonne, encourages the development of noble rot. It is the autumn mists that, in the early morning, allow Botrytis cinerea to settle gently on the bunches, concentrating them to reveal the full richness of their sugars and aromas.
From vine to cellar: craftsmanship of the highest order
Château d’Yquem is renowned for its mastery of multiple-pass harvesting. From grape to bottling, the creation of this great Sauternes reflects exceptional expertise, the fruit of a meticulous process in which every stage demands patience and precision. With yields not exceeding a single glass per vine, the estate draws its prestige from this exacting approach that underpins its rarity.
An exceptional aromatic expression
Château d’Yquem’s prestige is marked by an incomparable aromatic signature, a sumptuous texture, and remarkable persistence on the palate.
Château d’Yquem, a legendary expression
Young vintages display an expressive fruit spectrum, revealing notes of apricot and orange, sometimes enhanced by woody nuances of vanilla or toast, before evolving toward subtle spicy hints of cinnamon, saffron, and licorice. Designed for cellaring, this exceptional wine grows more magnificent over time, unveiling delicious aromas of dried and candied fruits, subtly lifted by the freshness of floral notes. Harmony, balance, complexity, and finesse: Château d’Yquem embodies the excellence of a unique and inimitable style.
Y d’Yquem, a dry white wine of great elegance
While the estate is universally celebrated for its prestigious sweet wine, it also stands out for its great dry white: Y d’Yquem. Produced in very limited quantities, it is sourced from the same terroirs and vines as Château d’Yquem. Although it follows the same viticultural practices, it differs in harvesting and winemaking. The attack, both silky and vibrant, opens onto a palate of remarkable elegance, while the chalky, savory finish unfolds with great persistence.
