| Producer | Château d'Yquem |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Sauternes |
| Varietal | Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 20134 |
| Size | 375ml |
Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend (75% Sémillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc) – is a breathtaking expression of Sauternes’ legendary elegance. The nose is intensely aromatic, offering layers of candied apricot, ripe peach, honeyed orange, and tropical fruits, intertwined with delicate floral notes and a touch of vanilla and toasted almond from oak aging. On the palate, it is sumptuous yet precise, with a rich, creamy texture balanced by vibrant acidity that lifts the intense flavors of marmalade, ginger, and exotic fruits. The finish is extraordinarily long, lingering with notes of crystallized citrus, honey, and a subtle minerality that provides both depth and focus. This is a wine of incredible purity and longevity, showcasing the magic of botrytized fruit at its finest.
*Please note this is a 375ml sized bottle!
The floral wine has great intensity, dominated at this stage by the concentrated botrytis. It is powerful, rich, balancing acidity and sweetness. This of course is a great wine that will age, but it is almost ready now.
Very transparent and elegant with white peaches, lilacs, and light caramel. Medium-bodied, sweet and agile with salted caramel and dried orange character. Spicy botrytis at the end.
A masterclass in purity and delicacy for this 2020 vintage which manages to convey the beauty and allure of Yquem in a toned down, subtle and beguiling way. Aromas of white blossom and honeysuckle, gently caramelised Mirabelle plums and fresh apricots with flecks of clementine and grapefruit pith abound on the nose - richly scented in their individual aspects but delivered quietly, almost sultry and shy. Immediately mouthfilling and unctuous, streamlined and fresh with a sugary hit hitting first before mouthwatering acidity follows giving sumptuous succulence and vibrancy. Apricot, peach, fleshy mango and sharp pineapple give the exotic fruit zing balanced by a salty, flintiness that adds faint angles to the expression. Juicy, bright, clean and complete with hints of cinnamon spice and just-toasted bread providing the frame and structure reminding you that this is built to last. It's not as opulent as some vintages, much more understated and relaxed - and coincidentally one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135g/l - but this is a wonderful expression with control and confidence on show. It also has supreme drinkability even now with tension, clarity and energy so don't be afraid to open and enjoy this in its joyful youth. The 2020 is the smallest production since 2000 with an equivalent of 35,000 bottles made. All stock will be released for sale on 23rd March with only a small number of bottles kept back for the estate's library collection. 3.79pH. The vintage was challenging in terms of viticulture with tropical spring-like weather delivering early budburst and high mildew pressure, especially given it was the estate's first year of official organic conversion. June was wet and cool followed by a hot, dry summer. Botrytis arrived in mid-October but there was only a small window of five days and two separate passes to harvest grapes with perfect noble rot.
This has a broad and unctuous feel, with nectarine, apricot and mango notes creating an opulent feel, while racy bitter almond, orange blossom and elderberry accents add contrast and range. The lush finish is carried by notes of mango and piecrust. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
The 2020 d'Yquem presents a fresh bouquet with aromas of white fruits, orchard fruits and mango, complemented by a hint of spring flowers. It’s perfectly balanced and moderately weighted compared to other vintages, making it a tense, penetrating d’Yquem. Despite the challenges of the growing season and a brief harvest (which began on September 30th and concluded on October 12th), d'Yquem's team managed to produce a mere 40,000 bottles, a modest yield in recent years.
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