2017 Château Yquem & 2018 Ygrec

The cold Spring of 2017 was problematic for a number of Sauternes producers but fortunately Yquem escaped the worse of it and only a handful of vines on the fringe were frosted. As Spring turned to Summer, the Château soon realised how lucky they were. The growing conditions were excellent for the sweet wines of Sauternes. Warm dry days and cool nights throughout the Summer were followed by rain at the end of August and early September promoting the onset of botrytis.

The 2017 Yquem is immediately impressive. Concentrated white stone and orange fruit is harnessed by energetic acidity. The botrytis is balanced, giving wonderful flavours of sweet marmalade and ginger. This is a mighty fine Yquem that will go the distance.

2018 was described by the Château as ‘tropical’ conditions. In July a violent hailstorm damaged much of the Sauvignon grapes reducing production. The remaining weather was very warm, and harvest was completed before the end of August. As a result, the 2018 Ygrec is weighty, voluptuous and exotic in style but it's more balanced than most white Bordeaux from this vintage.

"Extreme but wonderful style.” 98-99
James Suckling

"...epic length and great depth" 97-99
Lisa Perrotti-Brown


This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.

2018 'Y' YGREC DE CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Château Yquem

2018 'Y' YGREC DE CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Château Yquem

Very ripe tropical nose of pineapple and apricot. Some slightly candied citrus too. On the palate it's very textured and mouth-filling. There is nothing shy about this! The lingering finishVery ripe tropical nose of pineapple and apricot. Some slightly candied citrus too. On the palate it's very textured and mouth-filling. There is nothing shy about this! The lingering finish is fresher and cleaner than most 2018 white Bordeaux but make no mistake this is a ripe, heady, voluptuous vintage. Drinking range: 2019 - 2024L&S (Sept 2019)

75cl bottles, case of 6

In Bond

2017 CHÂTEAU YQUEM 1er Cru Classé Sauternes

2017 CHÂTEAU YQUEM 1er Cru Classé Sauternes

Release date: 16/9/2019

Rich, creamy-almond nose, almond paste, ripe pears, apricot more than bitter orange. The first impression showed less immediate botrytis than I expected, it smells so creamy. Fills the mouth withRich, creamy-almond nose, almond paste, ripe pears, apricot more than bitter orange. The first impression showed less immediate botrytis than I expected, it smells so creamy. Fills the mouth with sweetness and a light peppery spice. As it opens up, there's pineapple and bitter orange flavours emerge. Viscous texture and such concentration that it fills your mouth even after spitting. Unctuous but balanced by the bitter-orange freshness on the long finish. Drinking range: 2027 - 2047 Rating: 18.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2018)

75cl bottles, wood case of 6

In Bond

Half-bottles, wood case of 12

In Bond