CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Why Buy: It isn't every day that a selection spanning six vintages of Château d'Yquem appears, but that’s what makes today’s debut of the d’Yquem Marketplace — which includes two 99-pointers from 2016 and 2017 — so special. This collection of liquid gold — all of which is sourced directly from the château — takes you on an astonishing journey over ten years that demonstrates why this 16th century estate holds an almost mythical status among collectors and critics.
What They're Saying: "2016 Chateau d’Yquem is pure magic and dessert wines don’t get much better" Dunnuck exclaimed in a 99-point review. James Suckling, in praise of the 2017, awarded 99 points and declared “The 2017 Yquem is a very powerful wine from a very rich and exceptional vintage. The acidity has a big hand in balancing the richness.”.
The Story: The tale of Château d'Yquem is, and has always been, one of royalty. Nestled in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, this estate's history stretches back to the Middle Ages, when it was owned by the King of England. It was under the stewardship of the Lur Saluces family, however, beginning in 1785, that d'Yquem truly ascended to viticultural Olympus. The château's unique microclimate, blessed by the Ciron River's morning mists and afternoon sun, creates the perfect conditions for noble rot to work its magic on the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This natural phenomenon concentrates the grapes' sugars and flavors, resulting in wines of unparalleled richness and complexity. D'Yquem's reputation for excellence was cemented in 1855, when it was classified as the sole Premier Cru Supérieur in the official classification of Bordeaux wines — a status it retains to this day. In some years, if the crop doesn't meet the château's exacting standards, no wine is produced at all — the ultimate statement, perhaps, of d’Yquem's absolute commitment to quality.
What to Pair It With: Glorious though d'Yquem can be on its own, it also shines alongside certain foods. Try it with a lobe of seared foie gras for a classic French indulgence — the wine's focused acidity lancing the richness of the liver. For a more unexpected pairing, serve it alongside a carefully aged Roquefort, and savor the way its sweetness plays counterpoint to the cheese's salty tang. Best of all, perhaps, is a tarte tatin, wherein a buttery crust and caramelized apples bring out the best in the wine and vice versa.
Fun Fact: The average vine at Château d'Yquem is over 40 years old, with some vines dating back to the 19th century. These ancient vines produce only one glass of wine per vine per year, which just goes to show you the intensity and concentration necessary to produce a single bottle of d’Yquem.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and ship directly from the estate, to ensure that your wine arrives with pristine provenance. Act now to secure yours!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in 8-12 Weeks. 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 KS, MI, NY, TN. This offer will expire on Friday, September 20th, 2024, or until items are sold out.