2015, Château d'Yquem, SAUTERNES, 1er Grand Cru Classé Supérieur

Bordeaux Blend: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc.

The 2015 Yquem has always been a vintage that I have approached with caution. It was a very early harvest that began on 3 September and finished on 21 October after temperatures fell during the picking. As usual, I have reservations about the nose that, for me, lacks the cohesion and complexity of the 2014. Acacia honey, white flowers and quince, just a hint of toffee apple, beautiful but not quite as compelling as the previous vintage. The palate is well balanced, viscous and is bestowed impressive weight. It does not quite have the tension and nerve of 2014, but has wonderful purity. Superb, though not hors-classe. Tasted at the château. 94 Neal Martin, Vinious (2022).

A blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc with 144 grams of residual sugar, the 2015 d'Yquem offers up a multifaceted, entrancing bouquet with aromas of jasmine, lime leaves, grilled bread, saffron, ripe orchard fruits, lemon oil and spices. Crystalline and pure, it’s full-bodied, seamless and layered, with excellent concentration on the mid-palate (thanks to clay soils), concluding with an energetic yet saline finish brought by calcareous soils. This is an opulent but charming vintage for Château d'Yquem, and it could reach the optimum score with a minimum of 20 years of aging. Harvest began on September 3rd and finished on October 21st. 95+ Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (2023).

Drinking Window: 2021 - 2045