As the ultimate emblem of Sauternes, the Château d’Yquem 2021 is presented here in an elegant case of 6 half-bottles, a precious format that elevates the moment and makes the tasting intimate, precise and almost musical. Classified 1er Cru Supérieur since 1855, Yquem embodies that rare alchemy where nature, patience and expertise create a wine of light. The 2021 vintage, vibrant in style, blends purity, energy and sensuality. On the nose, the aromatic structure is built on almond, fine cedar, juicy pineapple, pear and plum, edged with mandarin and candied lemon and orange. On the palate, a fresh, majestic attack is followed by a creamy, powerfully framed mid-palate before a long, suave, almost velvety finish. Aged in 100% new oak, at 14% alcohol and acclaimed 97/100 by authoritative voices, this 2021 offers generous cellaring potential through 2050, without compromising its immediate appeal. The half-bottle format, delightfully convenient, elevates the occasion—be it a tête-à-tête, a precise pairing or an aesthete's gift.

Assemblage et vinification

The soul of this exceptional Sauternes rests on a precise blend: 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, the estate's historic varieties. Sémillon, the backbone of texture, provides volume, noble richness and a creaminess that stretches across the palate, while Sauvignon brings a streak of freshness, citrus brightness and a subtle herbaceous lift that define the wine’s drive and clarity. A rigorous selection of botrytised berries, hand-harvested by successive picks, gives each parcel intense aromatics and a concentration of great purity. The aging in 100% new oak supports the material without weighing it down, sculpting contours, refining toasted and balsamic nuances, and allowing a slow, harmonious breathing. The result is a rare balance between richness and freshness, density and transparency, where the terroir’s expression blossoms with nobility and precision.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Clear, luminous gold with shimmering highlights, announcing a pure, precise liqueur with crystalline brilliance.
• Nose : A nuanced bouquet of delicate almond, fine cedar, juicy pineapple, pear and plum, edged with mandarin and candied lemon and orange. Subtle accents of light honey and white flowers grace the ensemble with elegance.
• Palate : Fresh, precise attack; a broad, creamy mid-palate supported by a straight framework. The liqueur remains airy, carried by noble acidity, finishing long, suave and caressing with remarkable purity.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve between 10 and 12°C to preserve aromatic finesse and palate tension. Open the half-bottle a few minutes in advance to let the bouquet develop, then serve in large tulip glasses to highlight candied citrus and yellow fruit nuances. The 37,5 cl format is ideal for precise service, glass by glass, and suits gastronomic dinners where the pairing is played to the note. In the cellar, store away from light, with stable humidity and temperature. The 2021 vintage has an extended cellaring potential up to 2050 depending on conditions, while already delivering eloquent and distinguished pleasure.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : semi-cooked foie gras with citrus, prawns seared with mild chili, roasted almonds and Parmesan shavings.
• Starters : scallop carpaccio with blood orange, roasted langoustines, poultry terrine with pistachios.
• Mains : free-range poultry glazed with honey and lemon, vanilla lobster, golden sweetbreads with citrus jus.
• Cheeses : aged blues, delicate Roquefort, 36-month Comté for a salty-fruity counterpoint.
• Desserts : thin tart with candied citrus, rosemary-roasted apricots, caramelized pineapple with light cream.

Moments to enjoy

This 2021 in half-bottles decorates chosen moments with obvious elegance:

• To celebrate an intimate moment where emotion reigns and precise service enhances the pairing.
• During a gastronomic dinner to punctuate a refined starter or a citrus-accented poultry dish.
• As a connoisseur’s gift, a signature of assured taste and delicate attention.

Caractéristiques

• Name : Château d’Yquem 2021, case of 6 half-bottles
• Appellation : Sauternes AOP
• Type : Sweet white wine
• Vintage : 2021
• Grapes : Sémillon 65%, Sauvignon Blanc 35%
• Alcohol : 14%
• Aging : Aged in 100% new oak
• Volume : 6 x 37,5 cl
• Cellaring : until around 2050, depending on conditions
• Serving temperature : 10–12°C