Château d’Yquem 2023 – a world-class vintage

Château d’Yquem 2023 is the culmination of three exceptional vintages. It already stands as one of the most impressive versions of the world’s most famous Sauternes. At Yquem, the vintage is described as a true apotheosis. It completes a unique trilogy, with 2021 offering crystal-clear elegance, 2022 sun-ripened power, and 2023 bringing both qualities together in perfect balance.

The vintage was created under ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis Cinerea. The noble rot is the key to the magic of Yquem. The harvest took place from September 14 to October 11, 2023. The grapes were hand-picked over several rounds. Only the best grapes were selected. The result is a wine of great concentration, impressive freshness and exceptional precision.

Château d’Yquem 2023 is made from 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine contains 153 grams of residual sugar per liter. The pH value is 3.85 and the total acidity is 5.63 g/L H2T. The balance between sweetness and acidity is remarkable. The result is a wine with depth, energy and enormous ageing potential.

2023 is already considered one of the greatest vintages in the château’s history. Several of the world’s most recognized wine critics have awarded the wine 100 points. Among them are Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and James Suckling. The international recognition emphasizes the exceptional quality of the vintage. It also places the wine among the most coveted vintages of Château d’Yquem ever.

Tasting notes

The nose is pure, intense and complex. Notes of roasted rhubarb, lilac, citrus, cedar and beeswax come together. The taste is velvety and rich. Nuances of almond, ripe apricot, dark plums and mandarin marmalade unfold elegantly. The freshness lifts the concentrated fruit. The aftertaste is long, nuanced and impressively persistent.

Château d’Yquem 2023 pairs perfectly with foie gras, blue cheese and exclusive desserts. The wine is also an experience in itself. It can be enjoyed young for its intense fruit. At the same time, it has the potential to evolve over many decades.

The history of Château d’Yquem

Château d’Yquem is located in the heart of Sauternes in Bordeaux. The château is the only one to achieve the title of Premier Cru Supérieur at its classification in 1855. This unique status reflects the house’s uncompromising focus on quality. The special climatic conditions create optimal conditions for the development of noble rot. Only the best grapes find their way to the finished wine. If the quality is not high enough, no wine is produced.

• Producer: Château d’Yquem
• Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Type: Sweet white wine
• Grapes: 70% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
• Harvest: September 14 – October 11, 2023
• Reviews: Several international 100-point ratings
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol content: 14%