Y D'YQUEM 2023
On the heights of Sauternes, Château d’Yquem occupies a vineyard of about one hundred hectares whose mosaic of gravelly, sandy, and clayey soils constitutes one of the foundations of its identity. The only estate distinguished as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification, Yquem has also developed with Y a completely dry interpretation of its two historic grape varieties. This cuvée is produced in very limited quantities and comes from the same terroirs as the great sweet wine, but follows a specific harvesting and vinification logic. Sauvignon Blanc plays an essential role here with its liveliness, aromatic brightness, and fine bitterness, while Sémillon brings depth, texture, and breadth. In 2023, the growing season alternated between spring humidity and hot summer periods, requiring particularly attentive vineyard monitoring. The rapid ripening led to exceptionally early harvests for Y, starting as early as August 12. The vintage thus delivers a taut and deep dry white, where the natural richness of the terroir remains framed by remarkable freshness.
Y d’Yquem 2023 blends equally 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon. This unusual distribution gives the vintage a particularly interesting balance between aromatic energy and mouth density. The grapes destined for Y are harvested before those of Sauternes, at a stage that preserves their acidity and precision. The aging continues for twelve months in barrels, with about one-third new oak and two-thirds barrels previously used for Château d’Yquem aging. This measured use of oak brings volume and complexity without dominating the fruit. Sauvignon thus retains a lively and lemony expression while Sémillon provides more width and an almost creamy texture in the mid-palate. With 13.5% alcohol, the 2023 combines contained power, structuring bitterness, and tension in an architecture designed to evolve over several years.
The color shows a pale luminous yellow with slightly golden reflections. The nose develops on pear, white peach, and yellow fruits, to which are added nuances of lemon tree leaves, sage, and verbena. Floral tones of peony and wild rose further refine a bouquet that gradually gains depth with aeration. On the palate, the attack is ample and silky, quickly energized by notes of citron and yellow kiwi. The Sémillon’s substance brings relief while the Sauvignon traces a livelier line, extended by beautiful grapefruit bitterness. The finish has a chalky and persistent dimension that perfectly balances the richness of texture. Y d’Yquem 2023 will accompany langoustines, lobster, roasted turbot, scallops, poultry with morels, or a hard-ripened cheese.
Grape varieties: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Sémillon
