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99
/ 100
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99
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Great wines are not born just anywhere. At Château d’Yquem, a rare equilibrium of climate and terroir creates a wine like no other. As the only estate classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification, Yquem represents the pinnacle of Sauternes. The estate’s delicate and unique microclimate allows for the formation of noble rot, shaping a wine of remarkable elegance and complexity.
This 2017 is a benchmark Sauternes vintage, celebrated for its richness, precision, and freshness. The year saw ideal conditions for noble rot, resulting in a wine with extraordinary concentration and complexity. Aromas of apricot, mango, and orange blossom intertwine with layers of honey, vanilla, and toasted almonds. The palate is opulent yet beautifully balanced by vibrant acidity, leading to a long, lingering finish. With immense ageing potential, the 2017 vintage is a true collector’s gem, showcasing Yquem’s signature elegance and depth.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Dessert
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon
Vintage: 2017
Bottle Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux, Graves
Alcohol %: 14.0%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
99 / 100"This is a great Yquem, delivering thrilling purity and intensity. The nose offers intense aromas of fresh and dried apricot and peach pastry, as well as freshly baked creme brulee, candied and fresh orange and kumquat. Some marmalade, too. Smooth, glossy texture with flavors of grilled orange, dried apricot and an exceptionally long finish with a powerful, driving push to the end. A flicker of toasty-oak influence arrives late, but this wine has completely consumed the oak. The 2017 Yquem is a very powerful wine from a very rich and exceptional vintage. The acidity has a big hand in balancing the richness. Pithy finish. The phenolics deliver some great depth. Rain at the beginning of September prompted an extensive infection of noble rot. The harvest lasted from September 26 to October 13. Great quality and one of the best since the legendary 2001. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling
99 / 100
"Clearly one of the great vintages of d'Yquem of all time, this stunner is off the hook from the initial sniff. Roasted apricots, overripe pineapple, vanilla, mango, marzipan and creme caramel all topped with honey keeps you focused on the wine. If that isn't enough when the wine crosses your palate, the weight, volume, intensity and richness discovered in the layers of honey-slathered tropical fruits, vanilla and apricot. What makes everything work is the razors edge of acidity that gives the wine the necessary lift. Like all great wines, you can enjoy this young, but if you have the patience, or young children to gift this to, this will be markedly better in 20 or more years. - Jeff Leve"
- The Wine Cellar Insider
