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.
How to serve Y de Yquem
Allow 35 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a medium-sized white-wine glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled halibut with beurre blanc, Roast lobster with tarragon butter, Risotto with white truffle. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
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)
Frequently asked about Y de Yquem
What does Y de Yquem taste like?
On the nose, honeyed citrus, white peach, grapefruit blossom, toasted oak, lemon curd. On the palate, rich grapefruit, stone fruit, mineral salinity, vanilla, fresh herbs. Structurally full-bodied, high acidity with a long finish. 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.
When should I drink Y de Yquem?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Y de Yquem?
Grilled halibut with beurre blanc is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Roast lobster with tarragon butter and Risotto with white truffle. Full body and honeyed richness complement the buttery sauce; high acidity keeps the match lively.
What grapes are in Y de Yquem?
The blend is Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%). The wine is classified as Bordeaux AOC (dry white).