A Tasting to remember
The legendary Château d’Yquem, producer of Sauternes wines with the esteemed title of Premier Cru Supérieur made an ordinary Monday an unforgettable one for many. Jean-Philippe made a visit that we have been long awaiting. We were taken on a true experience of the senses, tasting wines as old as 1988.
"The history of Château d’Yquem is like a novel, an epic saga full of events and colourful personalities spanning more than four centuries."
Located on the highest hill in Sauternes, Chateau d’Yquem is often described as the world’s greatest sweet wine. In 1855, the domain was ranked as Superior First Growth of Bordeaux, the only one to be so. The Lur Saluces family ran the estate for more than two centuries, with special mention for Alexandre Lur Saluces who even furthered the reputation of the wine.
In May 2004, Pierre Lurton - manager for 10 years of the prestigious Chateau Cheval Blanc - took over the helm from Lur Saluces at the instigation of the luxury group LVMH / Moët Henessy - Louis Vuitton.
The vineyard of Yquem covers 113 hectares of which only 100 produce grapes in a given vintage. The grape mix is made from a blend of Semillon for 80% and Sauvignon for 20%. By combining finesse and freshness with intense flavour, Yquem embodies a form of perfection that can only be attained through rigorous grape-growing and wine-making.
Take a look at their outstanding Sauternes range here.
