{"title":"Château d'Yquem | Sauternes","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Y_quem_Vineyards.jpg?v=1763753892\" alt=\"Château d'Yquem Vineyards\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau d'Yquem stands alone in the world of wine. In the comprehensive 1855 Classification of Bordeaux, d'Yquem was the only property declared a Premier Cru Supérieur (Superior First Growth), a rank above all others - both red and sweet. This unique designation confirms its standing as the undisputed benchmark for quality, complexity, and longevity in sweet wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated on the highest hill in Sauternes, the estate’s history stretches back over 400 years, cultivating a legacy defined by perfectionism, extreme risk, and a relentless commitment to quality over quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique character of d'Yquem is entirely dependent on a natural phenomenon known as Botrytis Cinerea, or Noble Rot. In the microclimate of Sauternes (alternating morning mist and afternoon sun), this benevolent fungus attacks the skin of the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The result is that the rot pierces the skin, allowing water to evaporate while concentrating the sugars, acids, and glycerine inside the grape to an extraordinary level. This process also develops new, complex flavour compounds (like saffron and ginger).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are picked meticulously over several weeks - often passing through the vineyards 6 to 11 times - with pickers selecting only the individual berries that are perfectly shriveled by the rot. It takes the yield of one whole vine to produce just one single glass of Yquem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau d'Yquem's commitment to perfection means that in vintages when the quality is not deemed absolutely exceptional, no wine is bottled under the Château d'Yquem name. This dedication, combined with the wine's natural structure, grants it astonishing longevity. Young Yquem is rich and vibrant, but fully mature bottles are known to age for 50, 80, or even 100 years or more, evolving into unparalleled expressions of honey, spice, and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis dedication, combined with the wine's natural structure, grants it astonishing longevity. Young Yquem is rich and vibrant, but fully mature bottles are known to age for 50, 80, or even 100 years or more, evolving into unparalleled expressions of honey, spice, and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"chateau-d-yquem-sauternes-half-bottle-375ml","title":"Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2013 | Half Bottle (375ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2013 vintage of Château d'Yquem is celebrated for its finesse, freshness, and high acidity, resulting in a beautifully vibrant and elegant Sauternes. While the growing season presented challenges, d'Yquem’s relentless selection process yielded a wine of exceptional purity and drive, characterized by brilliant energy that cuts through its natural sweetness. This bottling displays the high quality expected from the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Classification, offering intense clarity in its fruit and an almost crystalline expression of the Noble Rot. On the nose a bouquet of lime zest, green mango, and passion fruit, overlaid with the signature Noble Rot notes of saffron and crème brûlée. The palate is precise and impeccably balanced. The sweetness is immediately countered by a thrilling surge of fresh, powerful acidity, leading to flavours of candied ginger, citrus peel, and intense minerality. The finish is extremely long, focused, and refreshing, promising decades of development. The 2013 is already showing beautifully but has the capacity to age for 25–30+ years. If opening now, serve chilled alongside blue cheese like Roquefort, or simply enjoy it on its own as the grand finale to a meal. [#intro]The legendary 2013 vintage, bottled in a convenient half bottle, perfect for immediate luxury \u0026amp; cellaring...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château d'Yquem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57439743541629,"sku":"A13YQUEMHB","price":265.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/2013BT.jpg?v=1763802564"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Y_quem_Label.jpg?v=1763754001","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/chateau-d-yquem-sauternes.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}