Château d‘ Yquem 1987, 0.375L, 1er Cru Classé Supérieur, Sauternes, France

Château d‘ Yquem 1987, 0.375L, 1er Cru Classé Supérieur, Sauternes, France

Château d’Yquem – The Pinnacle of Sauternes Excellence

Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux’s Sauternes appellation, Château d’Yquem stands as the undisputed benchmark for the world’s greatest sweet wines. With a history dating back over 400 years, this legendary estate has consistently produced wines of unparalleled richness, complexity, and longevity, earning its place as the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

A Legacy of Excellence

The story of Château d’Yquem begins in 1593 when Jacques Sauvage acquired the estate, making his family the first to develop winemaking on the property. By the late 18th century, under the stewardship of Françoise Joséphine de Sauvage d’Yquem, the château gained international recognition, solidifying its reputation as the finest sweet wine producer in the world. Over centuries, the estate passed through generations, eventually coming under the ownership of the luxury group LVMH in 1999, ensuring the continuation of its exceptional winemaking tradition.

Unrivaled Terroir and Meticulous Winemaking

Château d’Yquem’s vineyards cover 113 hectares, though only around 100 hectares are actively cultivated in any given year. The unique terroir of the estate is crucial to its success—gravelly and clay-limestone soils provide excellent drainage, while the confluence of the Garonne and Ciron rivers creates the humid microclimate necessary for the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot.

This natural phenomenon is key to Yquem’s greatness. The noble rot concentrates the sugars and enhances the complexity of the grapes, producing wines of extraordinary depth and character. The meticulous selection process is essential—each grape is hand-harvested through multiple passes in the vineyard, ensuring that only the finest botrytized berries make it into the final blend.

The winemaking process at Château d’Yquem is as precise as the harvest. Fermentation occurs in 100% new oak barrels, and the wine is then aged for up to three years before release. Each vintage is a masterpiece, crafted to express the unique conditions of the year while maintaining the estate’s signature balance of sweetness and freshness.

The Hallmark of Timelessness

One of the defining traits of Château d’Yquem is its incredible longevity. Even in less heralded vintages, the wine can age gracefully for decades, often exceeding a century in the best years. Over time, its youthful notes of honeyed apricot, pineapple, and citrus blossom evolve into layers of caramel, spice, toasted nuts, and saffron, creating a drinking experience like no other.

Unparalleled Prestige and Global Acclaim

Château d’Yquem has long been a favorite among royalty, collectors, and connoisseurs. Thomas Jefferson, one of its earliest admirers, personally imported the wine to the United States, and since then, it has graced the tables of emperors, presidents, and elite wine lovers worldwide.

The château’s commitment to quality is unwavering, sometimes choosing not to release a vintage if it does not meet their exacting standards. This dedication has solidified its reputation as the pinnacle of Sauternes, consistently receiving exceptional scores from critics:

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 98-100 points in top vintages
• Wine Spectator: 95-100 points
• Decanter: 96-100 points

A Wine for All Occasions

Beyond its reputation as the ultimate dessert wine, Château d’Yquem is incredibly versatile. It pairs exquisitely with foie gras, blue cheeses like Roquefort, and a variety of fine pastries. However, its richness and balance also allow it to complement unexpected dishes such as lobster, roasted poultry, or even spicy Asian cuisine.

Château d’Yquem: The Ultimate Indulgence

A bottle of Château d’Yquem is more than just a wine—it is an experience, a symbol of patience, artistry, and nature’s magic. Whether enjoyed upon release or cellared for decades, it offers an unforgettable journey of flavor and elegance, making it an essential addition to any fine wine collection.