CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM, SAUTERNES
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2019
Château d’Yquem, one of the most widely revered estates in the world, has achieved an almost mythical status among collectors and critics. One doesn't simply drink a glass of d'Yquem Sauternes — one surrenders. It is, truly, a wine without comparison, at once indulgently decadent and mysteriously ethereal. And as anyone who has had the great good fortune to taste this golden elixir knows: the moment you ease back the cork, you have entered into one of the most rarefied experiences to be had in the world of food and drink.
Not only is the 2019 vintage no exception, but all indications point to it ranking among the greatest vintages of this legendarily great wine.
And we could not be more proud or more thrilled to share the news that we have just secured a small allocation for our Concierge Family. Vinous awarded it 98 points, singling out a "highly-aromatic bouquet that is beguiling in its purity," a "wonderful delineation," and a "supremely well-balanced palate."
During the 1855 classification of Bordeaux and Sauternes, 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.
More than 400 years ago, when Jacques Sauvage was given feudal tenure over the property, records already showed that special grape-growing practices and late harvesting existed. In 1785, Josephine Sauvage d'Yquem married into the Lur-Saluces family, which maintained Château d'Yquem with the highest standards until it was acquired by Louis Vuitton Moët-Hennessy in the late 1990s. LVMH, no stranger to luxury goods, appointed Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc to be the CEO. Lurton has continued to raise the standard of excellence at Château d'Yquem.
To know d'Yquem is to love it, and, indeed, for many, to covet it. In 1790, Thomas Jefferson purchased 360 bottles of 1787 Château d'Yquem for President George Washington, only to return to Bordeaux to buy 125 bottles for himself.
Intimations of the potential greatness of the 2019 vintage arrived early, with reports of an ideal growing season in Sauternes: weather conditions allowed for botrytis to develop well in the grapes, although careful sorting was necessary during harvest, leaving even smaller than usual yields.
All of which just makes this release more special.
Folks, this is one you don't want to miss — a legendary release from a legendary estate, bottled and stored in the winery's cellar and shipped directly from the château.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2022. 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 Monday, April 11, 2022.
