2017 Château Yquem & 2018 Ygrec

The cold Spring of 2017 was problematic for a number of Sauternes producers but fortunately Yquem escaped the worse of it and only a handful of vines on the fringe were frosted. As Spring turned to Summer, the Château soon realised how lucky they were. The growing conditions were excellent for the sweet wines of Sauternes. Warm dry days and cool nights throughout the Summer were followed by rain at the end of August and early September promoting the onset of botrytis.

The 2017 Yquem is immediately impressive. Concentrated white stone and orange fruit is harnessed by energetic acidity. The botrytis is balanced, giving wonderful flavours of sweet marmalade and ginger. This is a mighty fine Yquem that will go the distance.

2018 was described by the Château as ‘tropical’ conditions. In July a violent hailstorm damaged much of the Sauvignon grapes reducing production. The remaining weather was very warm, and harvest was completed before the end of August. As a result, the 2018 Ygrec is weighty, voluptuous and exotic in style but it's more balanced than most white Bordeaux from this vintage.

"Extreme but wonderful style.” 98-99
James Suckling

"...epic length and great depth" 97-99
Lisa Perrotti-Brown


This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.

2018 'Y' YGREC DE CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Château Yquem

2018 'Y' YGREC DE CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Château Yquem

Very ripe tropical nose of pineapple and apricot. Some slightly candied citrus too. On the palate it's very textured and mouth-filling. There is nothing shy about this! The lingering finishVery ripe tropical nose of pineapple and apricot. Some slightly candied citrus too. On the palate it's very textured and mouth-filling. There is nothing shy about this! The lingering finish is fresher and cleaner than most 2018 white Bordeaux but make no mistake this is a ripe, heady, voluptuous vintage. Drinking range: 2019 - 2024L&S (Sept 2019)

75cl bottles, case of 6

In Bond

2017 CHÂTEAU YQUEM 1er Cru Classé Sauternes

2017 CHÂTEAU YQUEM 1er Cru Classé Sauternes

Release date: 16/9/2019

Very flattering and unctuous in feel, with coconut, creamed papaya, toasted hazelnut and warmed peach and tangerine cream flavors gliding along in unison, all framed by warm brioche and piecrustVery flattering and unctuous in feel, with coconut, creamed papaya, toasted hazelnut and warmed peach and tangerine cream flavors gliding along in unison, all framed by warm brioche and piecrust notes on the finish. Remarkably rich, yet poised and pure. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Best from 2025 through 2045. 4,166 cases made. Drinking range: 2025 - James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Jan 2020)

75cl bottles, wood case of 6

In Bond

Half-bottles, wood case of 12

In Bond