Château d'Yquem, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Sauternes, 2015

The 2015 Yquem was poured from magnum. To be honest, it is almost identical to the bottle tasted three years earlier (although a wit would counter that it's "twice as nice"). It's probably too young to distinguish between the maturity of the two formats, but it has a gorgeous saffron-scented bouquet with hints of acacia honey and pressed white flowers. The plate is glorious, beautifully balanced, with just the right amount of viscosity and sufficient tension on the finish to keep this on its toes. A promising future beckons.

DRINKING WINDOW 2025 - 2065

date of review 06/2025

A blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, with 144 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.65, the 2015 Yquem is beautiful and it knows it! Medium straw-gold in color, it is a little closed with subtle savory notions of almond croissant, nutmeg, powdered ginger, and toasted nuts, over a core of peach preserves, quince, musk melon, and grapefruit oil. Opulent, concentrated and so seductive, the palate delivers amazing texture and tension, finishing with a profound sense of extravagance. The alcohol comes in at 13.9%.

DRINKING WINDOW 2027 - 2097

date of review 09/2023