In the glass
Aroma: honeyed citrus, white peach, grapefruit blossom, toasted oak, lemon curd
Palate: rich grapefruit, stone fruit, mineral salinity, vanilla, fresh herbs
The singular dry white wine of Chateau d'Yquem, made only in years when the estate decides against a botrytised grand vin or in addition to it. Sauvignon Blanc-dominant, barrel-fermented in 50% new oak, offering honeyed citrus, white peach, and mineral depth unique to the Sauternes terroir.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled halibut with beurre blanc
Full body and honeyed richness complement the buttery sauce; high acidity keeps the match lively. -
Roast lobster with tarragon butter
Sweet crustacean and herbed butter partner the wine's stone fruit and herbal character. -
Risotto with white truffle
The wine's honeyed weight and mineral depth interact dramatically with truffle earthiness. -
Coquilles Saint-Jacques with saffron cream
Saffron in the dish echoes the terroir character of the wine; sweet scallop complements citrus fruit.
History
Y de Yquem (pronounced 'Ygrec', meaning the letter Y in French) was first produced in 1959 when harvest conditions in Sauternes did not favour botrytis. The estate decided to produce a dry white wine from the same Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc vines. It is made only in certain years and is considered one of the most unusual and sought-after dry whites in France, produced from the same celebrated terroir as the grand vin.
- 1959 — Y de Yquem first produced; dry white wine from the Sauternes estate
- 2005 — Regular annual production of Y de Yquem begins, though production varies by vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau d'Yquem
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%)
- Classification
- Bordeaux AOC (dry white)
- Oak
- 50% new French oak; 10 months
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Production
- 12,000 bottles
- Price
- EUR 200-280 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1959
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Scores
- Wine Advocate 95 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
- Wine Advocate 94 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2025)