{"title":"Château d'Yquem | Sauternes","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"width: 100%; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n  \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=\"width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; border: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChâteau d'Yquem\u003c\/strong\u003e stands entirely alone in the hierarchy of the wine world. In the historic 1855 Classification of Bordeaux, it was the only property ever designated as a \u003cstrong\u003ePremier Cru Supérieur\u003c\/strong\u003e, placing it in a supreme rank above all other estates, both red and sweet. Situated on the highest hill in the Sauternes appellation, the property boasts a proud legacy stretching back over 400 years. This history is defined by extreme agricultural risk and an uncompromising commitment to quality over quantity, solidifying its position as the undisputed benchmark for complexity and longevity in sweet winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique character of the estate is completely dependent on a natural phenomenon known as \u003cem\u003eBotrytis Cinerea\u003c\/em\u003e, or noble rot. In the highly specific microclimate of Sauternes—where alternating damp morning mists and warm afternoon sun collide—this benevolent fungus gently attacks the skins of the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The process pierces the skins to evaporate water content while concentrating the natural sugars, structural acids, and glycerine inside each berry to an extraordinary level. This natural concentration simultaneously develops remarkably deep, complex flavour compounds reminiscent of exotic saffron, wild honey, and dried ginger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHarvesting at \u003cstrong\u003eChâteau d'Yquem\u003c\/strong\u003e requires painstaking precision, where teams pass through the vineyard rows six to eleven times over several weeks to meticulously clip only individual berries perfectly shrivelled by the rot. This extreme selection dictates that the entire seasonal yield of one whole vine is required to produce just a single glass of wine. If a vintage fails to meet these rigorous standards, the estate boldly refuses to bottle any wine under its grand label. This absolute devotion results in a legendary \u003cstrong\u003eBordeaux sweet wine\u003c\/strong\u003e of astonishing longevity, capable of evolving gracefully in the cellar for 50, 80, or well over 100 years into an unparalleled expression of rich spice and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHÂTEAU D'YQUEM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\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.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}