Château d’Yquem Château d’Yquem 375mL 2016

Château d'Yquem is a myth, one of nature’s miracles and a truly unique wine all in one. The one and only Premier Grand Cru Supérieur awardee in the 1855 classification, Château d'Yquem tells the story of a remarkable expertise that has been passed down since 1593.

Long before it was enjoyed by the first US President George Washington, the wines of Yquem had already begun writing their chapters in the history books. It all began in 1453 when Aquitaine, previously English, was brought under French rule. A century later, a local nobleman by the name of Jacques Sauvage was granted feudal tenure over Yquem and thus became the first in a long line of dedicated winemakers. This outstanding terroir in the sauternes appellation has exceptional climate conditions and geological features. Château d’Yquem was attributed the esteemed title Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855. From that point, the genius of this sweet wine was acknowledged, and the Sauvage and Lur Saluces families went on preserving their treasure for over 400 years.

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Sauternes wines are esteemed globally for their luscious sweetness, complexity, and unparalleled richness. Hailing from the Sauternes appellation within the Bordeaux region of France, these wines are crafted predominantly from Sémillon grapes, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. What sets Sauternes apart is the unique microclimate of the region, characterized by misty mornings and warm, sunny afternoons, which promote the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, on the grapes. This beneficial fungus shrivels the grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavors, resulting in intensely sweet and flavorful wines.

In the glass, Sauternes wines dazzle with their golden hue and complex aromas of honeyed apricots, ripe peaches, orange zest, and floral notes. On the palate, they offer a sumptuous symphony of flavors, with layers of honey, marmalade, tropical fruits, and hints of spice, all balanced by a refreshing acidity that prevents the wine from becoming cloying. Sauternes wines are often sought after for their exceptional aging potential, evolving gracefully over decades in the bottle, gaining complexity and depth while retaining their trademark opulence. Whether enjoyed on their own as a decadent dessert or paired with foie gras, blue cheese, or creamy desserts, Sauternes wines stand as a testament to the magic of noble rot and the mastery of Bordeaux winemaking.

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