The undisputed reference among France’s great sweet wines, the Château d’Yquem 2020 embodies the ultimate expression of a mythical terroir. Presented in a wooden case of 6 half-bottles of 37.5 cl, it meets the expectations of connoisseurs seeking precise service, from the first pour to the last sip, without compromise on freshness. Classified 1er Cru Supérieur in 1855, Yquem dominates the Sauternes AOP appellation through its sense of restraint and purity. This 2020 vintage, at 14%, is distinguished by a straightforward nose of fruit and fresh almond, a palate of sovereign complexity, harmonious, driven by perfectly channelled energy, and a finish of great depth that lingers. The half-bottle format, elegant and nimble, highlights the tasting moment, makes food pairing easier over the course of a meal and multiplies sharing opportunities, whether for two or to crown a gastronomic menu. True to the estate’s reputation, the 2020 shows a high ageing potential, while already delivering rare pleasure. The excellence of the selection, nurtured by hand-harvests in successive selections and the expression of gravel and clay soils, signs a wine of clear, precise style, already praised by critics with 97/100 by Jean-Marc Quarin.

Assemblage et vinification

The Château d’Yquem 2020 is produced from the classic blend of the appellation, Sémillon and Sauvignon, the principal varieties of Sauternes which flourish here under the influence of noble rot. The vineyard, rooted on gravel and clay soils, favours optimum ripeness and the meticulous pursuit of aromatic concentration. The harvest is carried out by hand, in successive selections, to pick only perfectly ripe berries. This approach, the house’s signature, aims for absolute precision in fruit purity and botrytis finesse. Fermentations are carefully managed to preserve the balance between richness and freshness, ensuring a wine with rare length. Nothing is left to chance; every gesture is part of a quest for balance that has made Yquem legendary for generations.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Bright and clear, with attractive visual concentration; fine tears suggest a silky texture and a caressing mouthfeel.
• Nose: A clean expression of fruit elevated by a delicately toasted fresh almond, with a sense of purity and precision that underscores measured élevage and an exceptional harvest.
• Palate: Generous, composed attack, aromatic complexity woven throughout, admirable balance between sweetness and tension. The finish, of great depth, stretches out long, restrained and noble.

Service temperature and advice

Serve Château d’Yquem 2020 around 10 to 12°C in tulip-shaped white wine glasses to reveal its aromatic profile and tactile framework. Let the wine breathe for a few minutes to allow its palette to open with ease. Store bottles in a cellar, away from light, at stable temperature and humidity. The ageing potential is high, but the half-bottle format also allows enjoying the wine in its youth with particularly accessible and luminous intensity.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs: saline canapés, delicate puff pastry bites, appetizers featuring dried fruits.
• Starters: simply prepared foie gras, delicate terrines, poultry in aspic.
• Main courses: roasted poultry with light jus, milk-fed veal, gently cooked langoustines.
• Cheeses: aged blues, blue-veined cheeses with controlled salinity.
• Desserts: desserts with white or yellow fruits, almond-based entremets, lightly sweet pastries.

Occasions

Château d’Yquem 2020 is the natural companion for exceptional moments. It finds its place at a gourmet dinner where the precision of the dishes calls for a great wine with sovereign balance. As an insider’s gift, the wooden case of six half-bottles enhances the gesture, allowing multiple moments of grace, vintage after vintage. Its 97/100 score by Jean-Marc Quarin reinforces the obvious choice of a sure and inspired pick.

Details

• Name: Château d’Yquem 2020, case of 6 half-bottles
• Appellation: Sauternes AOP
• Type: Sweet wine, 1er Cru Supérieur
• Vintage: 2020
• Grape varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon
• Alcohol by volume: 14%
• Ageing: not disclosed
• Capacity: 37.5 cl per bottle, wooden case of 6
• Cellaring: high potential, to be monitored as it evolves
• Serving temperature: 10 to 12°C