At the pinnacle of sweet wine craft, the Château d’Yquem 2016 embodies a vision of perfection where technical precision meets the poetry of the senses. Sourced from a hillside blessed by a singular microclimate, this Sauternes 1er Cru Classé Supérieur belongs to the line of great vintages that move and impress in equal measure. For the enthusiast as well as the collector, it answers a dual quest: the search for immediate, radiant pleasure and that for a great wine for ageing whose depth unfolds over time. The vineyard, a true mosaic of more than 150 plots, offers a diversity of soils that feeds a unique aromatic complexity. Harvested in multiple passes, when noble rot magnifies each berry, Yquem crafts a nectar with a enveloping texture, supported by a spine of exemplary finesse. Aged for up to 20 months in new oak barrels, the 2016 sculpts a luminous material, patinated by delicately toasted notes, and unfurls a palette of aromas of rare clarity. At the table, it summons haute cuisine, elevates foie gras as well as sweet-savoury pairings, and takes its place without reserve among the wines that mark a taster's life. The estate, certified organic since 2022, asserts a virtuous standard, reflecting a living heritage and a committed respect for the terroir.

Blend and vinification

The 2016 vintage rests on the house's emblematic blend, 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, companion varieties that define Yquem’s identity. Harvesting is carried out in successive passes, at least four pickings, to select grapes at the ideal concentration when noble rot has reached its peak. Each plot, observed patiently, is picked at the right moment, then vinified with meticulous care to preserve the purity of the fruit and the brilliance of the liqueur. The ageing, up to 20 months in new oak barrels, refines the material and brings a vanilla and subtly caramelised thread, without ever overpowering the aromatic precision. The 2016 displays a remarkable balance between richness and freshness, driven by a controlled sweetness, around 135 g/L of residual sugar, and an alcohol level approaching 14.2%. This alchemy, the result of centuries-old know-how and constant rigour, gives the wine extraordinary breadth and longevity.

Tasting notes

• Colour: Luminous gold with sunlit highlights, dense and crystalline, its viscosity caressing the glass with majesty.
• Nose: A precise, shimmering bouquet of peach and pineapple, nuanced by coconut, nutmeg and cinnamon. Hints of toasted bread, caramel and vanilla testify to a measured élevage, never heavy, serving aromatic definition.
• Palate: Silky attack, broad and velvety mid-palate, supported by a chiselled freshness that balances the liqueur. The spiced thread blends with exotic fruits and a delicate woody patina. The finish, persistent and harmonious, stretches out with sovereign elegance.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this vintage between 10 and 12°C, ideally at 12°C to release its full aromatic complexity and caressing texture. A short opening time before service allows the aromas to unfold gracefully. Store bottles lying down, away from light and temperature fluctuations, in a cool, humid cellar. While its charm is apparent today, its remarkable cellaring potential spans several decades, with a drinking window from 2018 to 2078, promising a fascinating evolution of honeyed nuances, delicate spices and balsamic depth.

Food pairing

• Aperitifs: semi-cooked foie gras, warm brioche, pineapple chutney, roasted almonds.
• Starters: langoustine carpaccio, vanilla-poached lobster, poultry parcel with candied pear.
• Main courses: roasted free-range poultry with mild spices, sweet-and-savoury cuisine, citrus-glazed duck.
• Cheeses: aged blues, thin slices of Roquefort, old mimolette for a savoury counterpoint.
• Desserts: thin tart of roasted pineapple, vanilla millefeuille, spiced poached peaches.

Tasting occasions

Château d’Yquem 2016 is the ideal companion:

• To celebrate a one-off event where every detail becomes a memory.
• At a gastronomic dinner where the food-and-wine pairing becomes a work of art.
• As an exceptional gift for an aesthete of taste and time.

Details

• Name : Château d’Yquem 2016
• Appellation : Sauternes AOP
• Type : Sweet white wine
• Vintage : 2016
• Grape varieties : Sémillon (75%), Sauvignon Blanc (25%)
• Alcohol: 14.2%
• Ageing : up to 20 months in new oak barrels
• Capacity : according to formats available on Louvins
• Cellaring : 2018 to 2078
• Serving temperature : 12°C