2016 Château d’Yquem

A name that doesn't need many introductions: Château d’Yquem is the summit of Sauternes, the sweet-wine appellation south of Bordeaux formed around the meeting of the cool Ciron and warmer Garonne rivers.

Autumn mist develops in the morning and is followed by drier, sunnier afternoons, creating the conditions required for Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. This fungus concentrates water, sugar, acidity and aroma inside the berries, making Sauternes possible.

In the 1855 classification of Sauternes and Barsac, Yquem was placed alone in the category Premier Cru Supérieur. No other estate shares that rank. It stands above the Premiers Crus and Deuxièmes Crus of the same classification and recognises Yquem’s exceptional historical reputation, consistency and value.

The 2016 is a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. Sémillon provides richness, waxy texture and an exceptional affinity with noble rot, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes citrus, floral lift and acidity. The estate vineyard lies on a hilltop with clay and gravel at the surface and limestone beneath.

Harvesting took place in four selective passes between 27 September and 4 November. Pickers returned repeatedly to collect only berries at the desired stage of botrytisation. Fermentation and maturation took place in new French oak barrels, with the wine remaining under close observation throughout its long élevage. The wood supports the concentration and structure of the botrytised fruit without erasing its citrus, floral and mineral character.

In the glass, the 2016 is luminous gold. The nose unfolds through candied lemon, lime blossom, apricot, pineapple and quince, followed by saffron, acacia honey, vanilla, caramel and a faint smoky-mineral note. The palate is opulent but controlled, with dense botrytised fruit, vivid citrus acidity and extraordinary persistence.

Yquem should not be confined to dessert. Its balance of sweetness, acidity, bitterness and savoury botrytis complexity allows it to work throughout a meal, while its concentration gives the wine the capacity to evolve for many decades.

Foie gras or chicken-liver parfait, roast duck with orange, blue cheese, Tarte Tatin, crème brûlée, or served alone after dinner.

Serve: 8–12 °C
Drink: 2026–2070+