Château d'Yquem Sauternes 375ml 2016

Château d'Yquem is the sole Premier Cru Supérieur of the 1855 classification, made from botrytis-affected Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc on the highest ground in Sauternes, offered here in half bottle.

Sauternes lies where the cool spring-fed Ciron meets the warmer Garonne, and the autumn mists that result allow Botrytis cinerea to settle on ripe grapes and concentrate them. Yquem sits at the top of the appellation on a mound of gravel and clay laced with an extensive network of drains laid in the nineteenth century, which lets the estate control water precisely. Picking runs in successive passes through the vineyard over several weeks, taking only the berries that have shrivelled properly, and yields fall to roughly a glass of wine per vine. Sémillon supplies the bulk of the blend with Sauvignon Blanc for lift and acidity; fermentation is in new oak barrel, and the wine is then raised in wood for around twenty months.

Unctuous but held together by acidity, it suits foie gras, blue cheese and simple fruit desserts and will keep for decades; serve well chilled at around 10 degrees.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.