CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM & CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Why Buy: One doesn't simply drink a glass of Château d’Yquem — one surrenders. This indulgently decadent elixir is, truly, a wine without comparison, and the 2009 is literally perfection: a 100-point vintage … and aged for you in their historic cellars in Bordeaux. We are also fortunate to have secured for your consideration two other back-vintage Sauternes that, in our estimation, absolutely belong in its rarefied class: d'Yquem's superlative 2010, a 98-pointer, and Château Rieussec's stunning 97-point 2019.
What They're Saying: "Through-the roof opulence ... simply mind-blowing," Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate declared of the 2009 d'Yquem. It was similarly knocked-out by the 2010, hailing its "laser-precise backbone ... and crazy persistence that lingers a full three minutes and then some." Reviewing the 2019 Rieussec, Vinous held back not at all: "absolutely gorgeous ... supremely elegant ... impressive ... effortless."
The Story: During the 1855 classification of Bordeaux and Sauternes, d’Yquem was the only château to be ranked Premier Cru Supérieur. And the methods then, are the methods now: Every grape is hand-selected at harvest to ensure that only the most perfect grapes are ever allowed into the barrel. This meticulous selection results in a drastically reduced yield, with one vine producing only one glass of Sauternes every year. As for Rieussec, its methods, too, have remained more or less constant through the ages. In the mid-19th century, the quality of its soil was recognized and Rieussec was deemed a 1er Grand Cru Classé, Sauternes. A century later, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired the estate. Not unlike the post-Revolution effort, its goal was to preserve a legend. This it did, building a new cellar in 1989 to extend the aging period in barrels. It also began to be more meticulous in its selection of grapes, which lowered the yield and enhanced the quality.
Our Tasting Notes: Sauternes is so much more than an after-dinner tipple, and these three are perfect, and eminently delicious, illustrations. The 2009 d'Yquem is simply a knock-out experience for any lover of wine: indescribably rich, layered, and lengthy, and with astonishing focus. The 2010 is very nearly its equal, and staggered us with its sustained finish. The Rieussec, meanwhile, is a textbook example of how to bring elegance to a wine of such gob-smacking richness and intensity.
Fun Facts: At the time of the French Revolution, Château Rieussec belonged to Carmelite monks, and it was preserved as an "object of national heritage." Château d'Yquem is equally, and widely, revered: in 1790, Thomas Jefferson purchased 360 bottles of the 1787 vintage for President George Washington, only to return to Bordeaux to buy 125 bottles for himself.
What to Pair Them With: All three are standouts by themselves, and perhaps best savored without accompaniment. But they show out gorgeously with food, too – especially foie gras and various meat and fish mousses, terrines, cheeses, and charcuterie.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
