At the pinnacle of sweet wine craftsmanship, the Château d’Yquem 2017 in Magnum shines as a masterpiece of patience and precision. Behind this cuvée lies the virtuosity of a gravel and sand terroir, the alchemy of noble rot and the meticulous successive sorting in the vineyard. The 2017 vintage unfolds a satin texture and aromatic clarity that verge on the obvious. The large magnum format magnifies the development of the material, refines the balance between sweetness, freshness and complexity, and offers extended keeping for an evolving tasting. Praised by critics, with scores up to 100/100 in La RVF and 99/100 in the Wine Advocate, this Sauternes Premier Cru Supérieur asserts itself as an icon. Its gleaming golden robe already hints at a heady bouquet, while the palate, voluptuous yet controlled, tells a story of candied fruits, noble citrus and fine patisserie notes. A wine of grand style, designed for rare moments where grace and depth are sought in the same breath.

Assemblage et vinification

From a classic blend dominated by Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 reveals Yquem's DNA: that singular combination of aromatic richness and purity of expression. The berries, harvested at perfect botrytised ripeness, are rigorously sorted to retain only the essentials. After gentle pressing, the wine enjoys oak barrel ageing, ensuring flavour integration and a polished texture. Far from masking the fruit's brilliance, the wood frames its contours, adds hints of soft spice and sculpts an airy structure. The magnum format, slower to evolve, accentuates balance, preserves the brightness of freshness and extends ageing potential for a more nuanced reading of the vintage over time.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour: Clear, deep golden, bright, with luminous reflections that announce abundant botrytis and precise élevage.
• Nose: Intense bouquet combining dried apricot, stewed pear and exotic fruits, lifted by acacia honey, white flowers and subtle woody vanilla, with echoes of orange marmalade and a spicy hint.
• Palate: Broad, caressing attack, silky texture, great concentration balanced by mouthwatering freshness. Flavours of candied fruits, crème brûlée and noble citrus, finishing with admirable persistence, straight and profound.

Température de service et conseils

Serve this Sauternes between 10 and 12°C in generously shaped white wine glasses to reveal its aromatic breadth and delicate texture. Opening the bottle a few minutes before service helps the bouquet to unfold. For cellaring, store the magnum on its side, away from light and vibration, in a cool, steady cellar. The 2017 vintage is approachable now with clear charm, while offering a potential ageing window from 2022 to 2100 depending on storage conditions. The magnum format, through its slower maturation, intensifies the wine's cohesion and promises particularly harmonious evolution over the decades.

Accords mets et vin

• Starters / Canapés: gently spiced semi-cooked foie gras, apricot chutney canapés, crab and yuzu bites.
• Appetisers: scallop carpaccio, pan-seared langoustines, free-range poultry lightly truffled.
• Main courses: poultry tagine with dried fruits, lacquered duck, Asian dishes with sweet-salty notes where the wine's freshness brings balance.
• Cheeses: aged blues such as Roquefort, creamy mould-ripened cheeses, aged mimolette for a saline, iodine contrast.
• Desserts: thin tart with candied citrus, light baba with orange syrup, vanilla-and-apricot entremets where sweetness answers the wine's tension.

Moments de dégustation

Château d’Yquem 2017 Magnum is the ideal companion for:

• Marking a foundational event and sealing a lasting memory around a legendary bottle.
• During a gourmet dinner where precise dishes meet the breadth and grace of a great sweet wine.
• As an exceptional gift for an informed collector, with the assurance of masterful ageing.

Caractéristiques

• Name: Château d’Yquem 2017 Magnum
• Appellation: Sauternes AOP, Premier Cru Supérieur
• Type: Sweet white wine
• Vintage: 2017
• Grapes: Sémillon dominant, Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 14%
• Ageing: Oak barrels
• Volume: 150 cl, Magnum
• Cellaring: 2022 to 2100 depending on storage conditions
• Serving temperature: 10–12°C