Château D'YQUEM 2009
On the heights of Sauternes, Château d’Yquem holds a unique place in the history of great Bordeaux wines. The only estate classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification, it benefits from a vast terroir of gravel resting on clay subsoils, an essential combination for the vine's water regulation and the slow ripening of the grapes. The vineyard is mainly planted with Sémillon, a grape variety particularly receptive to the development of Botrytis cinerea, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc which brings freshness and tension. The proximity of the Ciron and the Garonne rivers favors the morning mists essential for the development of noble rot, while the drier afternoons allow the berries to concentrate gradually. The harvest is carried out by successive selections, with teams selecting only grapes affected by the desired degree of botrytization. The 2009 vintage combines concentration, richness, and freshness in particularly remarkable proportions, with considerable substance without sacrificing balance. It is among the most opulent and complete expressions of Yquem at the beginning of the 21st century.
Château d’Yquem 2009 blends 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. This significant proportion of Sauvignon gives the vintage a welcome liveliness in the face of the exceptional richness of botrytized Sémillon. A first pass through the vineyards takes place as early as September 8 and 9, before a particularly rapid and qualitative sequence from the beginning of October. The successive selection of berries allows different expressions of concentration, acidity, and noble rot to be gathered in the same wine. Sémillon builds the wine’s deep, smooth, and almost creamy texture, while Sauvignon stretches the whole on a livelier register of citrus and white flowers. The prolonged barrel aging accompanies this extraordinary substance and allows the different components to gradually blend. Despite its intensity, the 2009 has sufficient freshness to envisage evolution over several decades.
The color shows a bright golden hue that will gradually evolve towards amber with aging. The bouquet unfolds notes of candied apricot, yellow peach, roasted pineapple, and citrus, mingled with honey, saffron, and dried flower notes. With aeration, orange marmalade, exotic fruits, beeswax, and delicate spicy tones appear. The palate impresses with its breadth and concentration, but above all with the tension that prevents the luscious richness from becoming heavy. The texture is deep, enveloping, and extremely persistent, supported by acidity that gives the wine remarkable definition. The finish stretches long on candied citrus, apricot, honey, spices, and a fresh sensation that invites another sip. Château d’Yquem 2009 will accompany pan-seared foie gras, lobster with mild spices, poultry with morels, a matured Roquefort, or can be enjoyed alone to fully appreciate its complexity.
Grape varieties: 80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc
