Among the most sought-after treasures of fine wines, the Château d'Yquem 2015 asserts itself as a complete work. The unique 1er Cru Supérieur of Sauternes combines the brilliance of a radiant vintage with a level of precision that commands admiration. For the demanding collector, it answers a specific quest: a sweet wine of great purity, never heavy, able to unite aromatic intensity and elevation, tactile richness and momentum. At the table, it resolves the eternal challenge of delicate pairings by accompanying noble dishes without overwhelming them, while offering, on its own, a moment of contemplation. The estate's parcel mosaic, born of a rare geological heritage, expresses itself here in masterful harmony. The 2015 marries the creaminess of a generous summer with radiant freshness, revealing a craftsmanlike style, polished by meticulous ageing, where every detail invites silence and respect. A bottle that transcends the moment and imprints itself on the memory, like a great adagio unfolding its nuance and depth over time.

Assemblage et vinification

This Sauternes is made primarily from Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc, the signature varieties of the place when they meet noble rot. Harvested in successive selections, sometimes through several passes, the grapes are only picked at their ideal ripeness, when botrytis concentrates the juices and sculpts aromatic complexity. The musts then find the calm of the barrel, with a long, precise ageing in new oak barrels that refines the framework, nuances the warm spices and weaves an exceptionally soft texture. The selection is ruthless, each lot tasted, measured and blended to achieve a sovereign balance between liqueur, acidity and purity. This alchemy, inherited from centuries of know-how, gives the 2015 a rare eloquence, where the imprint of the vintage melts into the château's timeless signature.

Notes de dégustation

• Appearance : Bright straw-gold that catches the light, crossed by intense sunlit highlights. The substance reveals a clear creaminess, slow and regular tears, promising noble concentration. In the glass, the gleam becomes shimmering, almost prismatic, as if each nuance revealed an aromatic layer ready to unfold.
• Nose : Opens with great complexity, on roasted apricot, vine peach, pineapple and mango, joined by candied orange peel, citrus marmalade and a saffron hint. Notes of noble vanilla, toasted almond, toasted bread, a fine thread of acacia honey and beeswax follow, while a freshness of fine herbs and lemon zest gives poise, avoiding any heaviness. With aeration, the bouquet gains further depth and precision.
• Palate : A caressing, ample and enveloping attack that makes way for a straight, exemplary liqueur. The mid-palate, silky and luminous, combines the density of candied fruit with a foundational, almost crystalline acidity that stretches the structure. The balance is sovereign, without excess, supported by a discreet woody rounding and a saline thread that enlivens the composition. The finish is impressively long, on saffron, apricot, gentle spices and a citrus return, with a persistence that marks the very greatest.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve Château d'Yquem 2015 between 8 and 12°C depending on the moment and style desired. Around 8–10°C, the freshness highlights the wine's drive and enhances the crispness of iodised pairings. At 10–12°C, the texture opens up, spices sharpen and the complexity gains relief. Prefer a large white tulip glass to channel the aromas. A gentle aeration of about 20–30 minutes allows the bouquet to reach full expression. Store bottles away from light, lying down, at a stable temperature, this vintage has remarkable cellaring potential.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : gently cooked duck foie gras, warm brioche, citrus jelly, or a tartlet of caramelised sweet onion for a rarely elegant sweet‑and‑savory dialogue.
• Starters : roasted langoustines, lobster with lemon butter, just-seared scallops, where the sea's salinity meets the sweetness of botrytis without being dominated.
• Main courses : free‑range poultry with morels, tender veal with a light jus, subtly spiced Thai cuisine, which converse with the exotic candied fruit and the wine's tension.
• Cheeses : blue-veined cheeses, delicate Roquefort, or aged Comté, for a union of textures and flavours that exalt the finish.
• Desserts : thin apricot tart, spiced roasted pineapple, vanilla-citrus entremets, provided the sugar is controlled to preserve balance.

Occasions

Château d'Yquem 2015 is the ideal companion:

• To celebrate a unique event when you seek the signature of a legendary wine, capable of lighting up the moment without overpowering it.
• During a gastronomic dinner where refined cuisine meets a high-precision liqueur and superb freshness.
• As an exceptional gift for a knowledgeable enthusiast, to enrich a reference cellar and pass on a lifestyle.

Specifications

• Name : Château d'Yquem 2015, 1er Cru Supérieur
• Appellation : Sauternes AOP
• Type : Sweet white wine
• Vintage : 2015
• Grape varieties : predominantly Sémillon, with Sauvignon Blanc in support
• Ageing : long ageing in new oak barrels, precision and oak integration
• Particularity : botrytised grapes, successive selections in the vineyard
• Volume : 75 cl
• Cellaring : very long, several decades depending on storage
• Serving temperature : 8–12°C