Château d'Yquem 2011
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Pure and fresh, an emblematic Sauternes wine
The estate
Situated to the south of Bordeaux, Château d'Yquem is one of the finest references in the Sauternes appellation. This legendary Premier Cru Classé Supérieur enjoys an exceptional terroir and produces sweet wines that are sought after throughout the world.
The vintage
The mild, dry winter preceded a mild spring which favoured an early vegetative development. Flowering was recorded three weeks ahead of schedule. The hailstorm on April 25th had little impact on the estate's vineyards. The months of June and July were characterised by heavy rainfall, which benefitted the vineyard and avoided any excessive water stress, along with a very cool period between July 13th and 29th. Despite this unstable climate, the temperate conditions in July were ideal for preserving both freshness and acidity. The heat during August, although not scorching, led to a historically early harvest, which took place from August 17th to September 7th.
The blend
Château d'Yquem 2011 comprises a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
The tasting
With its exceptional aromatic palette, its power and its purity, Château d'Yquem 2011 is on a par with the iconic 2001 vintage. This fine Sauternes wine seduces with its freshness, its texture along with its generous and refined palate.
Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. The Château Yquem 2011 has a complex bouquet, one that is very well defined with hints of petrol infusing the rich honeyed fruit, later melted wax and fresh peach coming through. The palate is well balanced with a strong viscous entry. There is plenty of residual sugar here and I would have preferred a little more acidic bite to offset that rich, decadent finish (this is despite their correct policy of blending non-botrytized berries in order to increase acidity.) Powerful, burly even, I would give this several years in the cellar to allow this Yquem to mellow and enter its stride.