A masterclass in purity and delicacy for this 2020 vintage which manages to convey the beauty and allure of Yquem in a toned down, subtle and beguiling way. Aromas of white blossom and honeysuckle, gently caramelised Mirabelle plums and fresh apricots with flecks of clementine and grapefruit pith abound on the nose – richly scented in their individual aspects but delivered quietly, almost sultry and shy. Immediately mouthfilling and unctuous, streamlined and fresh with a sugary hit hitting first before mouthwatering acidity follows giving sumptuous succulence and vibrancy. Apricot, peach, fleshy mango and sharp pineapple give the exotic fruit zing balanced by a salty, flintiness that adds faint angles to the expression. Juicy, bright, clean and complete with hints of cinnamon spice and just-toasted bread providing the frame and structure reminding you that this is built to last. It’s not as opulent as some vintages, much more understated and relaxed – and coincidentally one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135g/l – but this is a wonderful expression with control and confidence on show. It also has supreme drinkability even now with tension, clarity and energy so don’t be afraid to open and enjoy this in its joyful youth. The 2020 is the smallest production since 2000 with an equivalent of 35,000 bottles made. All stock will be released for sale on 23rd March with only a small number of bottles kept back for the estate’s library collection. 3.79pH. The vintage was challenging in terms of viticulture with tropical spring-like weather delivering early budburst and high mildew pressure, especially given it was the estate’s first year of official organic conversion. June was wet and cool followed by a hot, dry summer. Botrytis arrived in mid-October but there was only a small window of five days and two separate passes to harvest grapes with perfect noble rot. | Decanter | 2023 | 96
Druiven: 75% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc
Zonder twijfel de grootste Sauternes; Château d’Yquem. In de middeleeuwen het bezit van de Koning van Engeland en toen al van geweldige statuur. De Sauvage familie kreeg vervolgens het zeggenschap over Château d’Yquem en plantte er uitsluitend witte wijn druiven. Ook toen al was er sprake van aantasting van de druiven door nobel rot al waren de wijnen minder zoet dan nu. Door de eeuwen hebben de wijnen altijd een grote reputatie gekend. Tegenwoordig is het in bezit van het luxe bedrijf LVHM. 113 hectare is aangeplant met 80% sémillon en 20% sauvignon blanc. De wijnstokken zijn gemiddeld 25 jaar oud. De wijn is krachtig, geconcentreerd en weelderig. Complexe geuren en smaken en een enorm rijpingspotentieel.
Decanter 96 | Vinous 97 | Falstaff 97 | Suckling 96