2024 Château d'Yquem Y d'Yquem

the history of Y d'Yquem Château d'Yquem is known worldwide for its iconic sweet wine, but since 1959 the house has also produced a dry white wine: Y, often referred to as Y d'Yquem. The idea arose when the last bunches of the harvest were set aside and vinified into a dry version. In the early years, the wine was made only sporadically, but since the 2000s, Y has been an annual expression of the same terroir that made the sweet Yquem so famous. With its combination of freshness, complexity, and depth, Y offers a parallel to the richness of Sauternes. vineyard and terroir The Château d'Yquem vineyards are located in the heart of Sauternes, where Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon complement each other. The terroir consists of gravelly soils with clay and limestone subsoils, which together provide excellent drainage and minerality. The microclimate, strongly influenced by the proximity of the Garonne and Ciron rivers, creates unique conditions that not only allow botrytis cinerea to develop in the sweet wine but also deliver freshness and tension to the dry white Y. the 2023 harvest year The year 2023 was characterized by extremes: tropical humidity, heavy rainstorms, and periods of heat and drought alternated. Thanks to the team's experience and lessons learned from previous years, the winemakers managed to keep the vineyard healthy. The harvest began exceptionally early, on August 12th, and concluded on September 19th – one of the earliest and most generous harvests in Y's history. The combination of heat and timely rain resulted in grapes with remarkable freshness and ripeness, ideal for producing a wine with tension and elegance. grape varieties and blend For the first time in history, a perfect balance was chosen in 2023: 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon. Sauvignon Blanc contributes citrusy freshness, spicy notes, and refined bitterness, while Sémillon provides richness, texture, and subtle complexity. Together, they create a wine that unites the light and shade of Sauternes. vinification and maturation After careful harvest and selection, the grapes were fermented and aged for 12 months in oak barrels. One-third new oak was used, and two-thirds were barrels previously used for Château d'Yquem. This gives the wine a subtle oaky note, perfectly intertwined with the fruit and freshness of the grapes. The result is a wine that combines power and precision with a mineral undertone and remarkable length. Tasting notes of the 2023 Y d'Yquem The 2023 Y opens with vibrant aromas of citrus leaf, sage, and verbena, followed by fresh fruit like pear and white peach. With further aeration, floral notes of wild rose and peony emerge. On the palate, the wine begins energetically, with notes of lemon, kumquat, and yellow kiwi, followed by juicy nuances of white melon. The finish is characterized by grapefruit bitters and a chalky texture that gives the wine tension and elegance. With 13.5% alcohol and a perfect balance between acidity and fruit, this is a wine that charms now and can also age well for the next ten years. why order Y 2023? The 2023 Y is a special vintage that brings together the best of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The wine boasts freshness, aromatic subtlety, and a rich, layered structure. For sommeliers and serious wine lovers, this is a unique opportunity to taste a wine that translates Château d'Yquem's style into a dry expression. It is a rare and limited edition wine that offers both gastronomic versatility and a wonderful addition to any cellar. Would you like to order wines from the winery in question online? If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're locat