New Release: 2017 d'Yquem, "Epic length and great depth"
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Released this morning, the 2017 vintage from Château d'Yquem boasts an extraordinary 148 grams per litre of residual sugar. Yquems of the last century might weigh in at just 80-120 grams, yet the modern wine still manages achieve a perfect balance, with an increase in fresh acidity to match the richness. Invariably the first thought which jumps into our minds when we taste young Yquem is; 'how on earth do they do it?', the equilibrium of richness and freshness is so intense and finely judged. James Suckling describes 2017 as an 'extreme but wonderful style' (98-99 points). Lisa-Perotti Brown MW notes "epic length and great depth" (98 points) suggesting this is a wine which will age for many decades.
Alongside the 2017, the Château has released a parcel of the superb 2007, from another great Sauternes vintage. Neal Martin finds "such race and nervosity" and a "finish just purrs with harmony and focus (98 points)."
Also released is the 2018 vintage of 'Y' de Yquem, Yquem's dry white wine. A blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2018 harvest was hit by frosts and production was down by around 50%, which also resulted in an increase in concentration. Only ever made in small quantities (less than 10,000 bottles) Ygrec will be especially rare and limited in availability in this vintage.
Offered in bond, landing Spring 2020. Price excludes duty, VAT & delivery.
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2017 Château d'Yquem, Sauternes Premier Cru Supérieur |
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“The 2017 Yquem, which was not affected by frost, was picked in two tries from 26 to 29 September and 5 to 10 October. There is 148gm/L residual sugar and a 3.8 pH, alcohol coming in at 13.9°. The early September rain prompted homogenous pourriture noble and this was followed by a warm period that meant that concentration came rapidly. They focused on the best parts of the property, discarding 30% of the parcels. It has a very harmonious bouquet with white peaches, orange sorbet, white flowers and a touch of crushed stone. It has an “airy” nose that gathers pace with aeration.
The palate is very fresh in the mouth with slightly less weight and concentration than the 2015 tasted alongside. There are subtle spicy veins interwoven through the final third with hints of freshly shaved ginger that add another dimension towards the finish. This might not be up there with the top tier of Yquem’s over the last century, however, it is clearly a very well-crafted and complex Sauternes that will last many years. 95-97 Points.” Neal Martin, Vinous
“There was no frost at d’Yquem in 2017, and botrytis was very regular and even this vintage. The nose opens with very pure notes of freshly sliced oranges, yuzu and lemon barley water with hints of white pepper, fresh ginger and lime cordial. The incredibly rich, unctuous sweetness (148 grams per liter of residual sugar) is beautifully marbled with bright, vivacious citrus fruit and spice flavors, while lifted by well-knit freshness, and it finishes with epic length and great depth. 97-99 Points.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The tannins and phenolic tension are very impressive to this. Dried-lemon undertones and burning botrytis. Full-to medium-bodied, linear and racy. Beautiful fruit and intensity. Such clarity. Extreme but wonderful style. 98-99 Points”. James Suckling
£1764 per 6 bottles or 12 half bottles in bond
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2007 Château d'Yquem, Sauternes Premier Cru Supérieur |
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"(14% alcohol with 140 g/l r.s.; 70% semillon and 30% sauvignon blanc) Pale gold. Knockout nose of mirabelle, pineapple, spices and honey. Dense and thick but with racy acidity leavening the wine's liqueur-like flavors of peach, apricot and pineapple and imbuing it with superb energy. With aeration, this showed captivating notes of vanilla, toast and fresh and exotic herbs, plus a saline aspect on the very long finish. Still an infant, but already boasts terrific cut and purity of fruit. Director Pierre Lurton was thrilled to have a large quantity of wine at this high level of quality. 95-98 Points." Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
"Tasted single blind against its peers. Under blind conditions, the Yquem 2007 shines like a diamond. Nevertheless, it is initially rather taciturn on the nose, eventually opening up beautifully with touches of lemon curd, Mirabelle, and clear honey. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine definition and there seems to be a great deal of energy and vigor dispensed for your pleasure...There is such race and nervosity, and then that finish just purrs with harmony and focus. This Yquem feels just so alive and vivacious, yet there is an effortless quality here that is unmatched by its peers. Tasted January 2011. 98 Points." Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
"Pale to medium gold colored, the 2007 d'Yquem delivers powerful scents of tropical fruits—dried mangoes and pineapple paste—accented by acacia honey, toasted almonds and woodsmoke with hints of chalk dust, kettle corn and lime blossom. The palate reveals one of those vintages that shape-shifts into an apparently drier style than it is, largely thanks to its uber-racy backbone of freshness and layered mineral-inspired flavors, finishing with a regal, satin-textured savoriness. Difficult to resist now, this will be one of those Rip Van Winkle vintages that can be predicted to cellar not just for decades but for generations. For number crunchers: 14.2% alcohol, 137 grams per liter residual sugar, and total acidity is 3.7 grams per liter H2SO4. 98+ Points" Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
£1920 per 6 bottles in bond
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Minimum order: one case of 6 bottles.
Payment: on receipt of invoice.
Shipment: available Spring 2020.
Delivery: delivery, duty & VAT charged at prevailing rates at time of clearance from bond.
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