Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2019 - 750ml
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2019 - 750ml
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98pts Vinous
Owners LVMH took the decision to delay the release of the 2019 Yquem until spring 2022. It was tasted with winemaker Sandrine Garbay in London. Tasting the 2019, I noticed that it has a slightly paler hue compared to recent vintages (though I never read too much into the colour of young Sauternes.) For certain, it has a highly-aromatic bouquet that is beguiling in purity, enticing aromas of honeysuckle and saffron, soon joined by camomile, white flowers and orange blossom. It has wonderful delineation and gains intensity with aeration. The palate is supremely well-balanced with fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious and armed with just the right amount of viscosity, this Yquem is surprisingly understated at first but gains presence, offering irresistible flavours of layers of honey, lemongrass, lemon thyme and orange pith. Yquem is so tempting in its youth, but I feel that this vintage will repay those with the nous to cellar for at least a decade.
The 2019 vintage of Château d'Yquem has the highest proportion (45%) of Sauvignon Blanc in any modern Yquem. The Sauvignon Blanc adds to the freshness, acting as a great balance to the succulent, sweet and voluptuous palate. Intense peach and apricot, combined with lemon and orange zest, make this highly appealing to drink right away – an ideal vintage with which to start Yquem’s ‘lighthouse’ project. However, it would be a shame not to give this 10+ years maturation to see how it develops. Very well, I suspect. The growing season was both warm and wet, with mildew a big threat. After a mostly dry September, 40mm rain came at the end of the month, leading to a very short harvest window. All of the Yquem grapes were picked in two tries within a one-week period.
A special wine right from the start, this glistens with pure papaya, mango, white peach and mirabelle plum, joined by elder flower honey, toasted macadamia nut and orange blossom notes. Ends with a remarkably long finish. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now
96pts James SucklingA juicy Yquem with tarte tartin, salted caramel and dried oranges on the nose and palate. Medium-to full-bodied and medium-sweet with a creamy and round texture. Bright and vivid. Lovely texture. Long. Evolves to caramel and burnt vanilla sugar. 55% semillon and 45% sauvignon. 138g/L residual. Drink or hold.
Winemaker Notes
After a cool and rainy spring, warm conditions prevailed all the way through to November 2019. In Sauternes in particular the down pour in late July removed the risk of drought and ensured that the development of the harvest was defined by the unique properties of the soils. The extremely tight window of favourable picking conditions, lasting just five days, obliged us to focus exclusively on the healthiest plots, with not a moment to spare for superfluous passes. Thanks to the wide variety of our soils, the experience and availability of our teams and our perfect knowledge of the terroir, offer a success as rare as it is remarkable.
Yquem 2019 is a perfect balance between freshness and concentration. The proportion of Sauvignon Blanc brings a floral element and a distinctive note of lemon verbena. This vintage is extremely seductive in its vibrant youth and will travel gracefully through time
