2018 was a tumultuous vintage at Château Yquem. Tropical conditions early in the growing season were followed by a huge hailstorm on the 15th July, an event that caused considerable damage to the south-facing plateau in front of the château. Considerable hard work was laid to waste in minutes. The life of a Sauternes vigneron is seldom simple! However, in 2018 the fight was worth it, as conditions changed in mid-August and grapes reached optimum ripeness with up to 16% of potential alcohol. Botrytis was slow to develop. Then some welcome showers arrived between the 5th and 13th of October and noble rot began to work its magic. The bulk of the crop was harvested at peak concentration from the 22nd to the 27th October, with the final wine a blend of 85% Sémillon and 15% Sauvignon Blanc, and residual sugars of 145 g/L.
Despite the unpredictable weather, the Yquem team describes the 2018 as “a tremendous success!” - reward for a herculean effort from start to finish. In addition to the enormous endeavours in the vineyards, Yquem has also made a significant effort on the price. At £1440 per six, this is 18% below the release price on the 2017.
Read MoreWe are also delighted to offer the excellent dry wine of Chateau Yquem, “Y” 2019. By contrast, the 2019 growing season was something of a breeze, resulting in an early harvest with a “perfect balance between richness and freshness”. Again, a considerable discount has been applied to last year’s release (£570 per 6, -13% on the 2018).
"As ever with Yquem, patience was the key, taking in the grapes slowly but surely over 17 days harvest that extended well into October. The results in the glass are intense and glossy, full of satin-textured apricot and white peach flavours. There are exotic fruits of pineapple and mango but winemaker Sandrine Garbay has kept a focus on fresher flavours of lime zest and citrus that balance out the natural richness and concentration. Pretty closed right now, but there is power and balance here, an excellent Yquem. 97/100" - Jane Anson, Decanter.com, September 2020
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