19th century, Modern, Post-War, Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 29 June - 6 July 2020
Wine
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Château d`Yquem, often described as the greatest sweet wine in the world and the only Sauternes First Growth of Bordeaux. Few wines in the world have produced consistently noble quality for more than 4 centuries.
Established in 1593, the property consists of a 110-hectare vineyard planted with 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are created from botrytized fruit that is picked by hand in several passes ‘tiers’ by up to 150 harvesters. Château d'Yquem is the product of meticulous work in the vineyard, along with the estate’s exceptional terroir, and centuries of inherited knowledge since 1593, it has gained the reputation of the world’s finest sweet wine.
In the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, Château d'Yquem was given the unique and unsurpassable rank of Premier Cru Supérieur, ahead of all other Sauternes, indicating its perceived superiority and ability to command by far the highest prices. The wines of Château d'Yquem are characterised by their complexity, concentration and longevity. In a good year, a bottle will only begin to show its qualities after a decade or two of cellaring and with proper care, will keep for a century or more, gradually adding layers of complexity.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Dry, cold weather was the hallmark of this vintage. Heavy rains hit in mid-September, which was ideal for triggering and spreading botrytis. This was followed by 4 weeks without a drop of rain, making for homogeneous botrytisation and a compact harvest. The wine is very sweet and pure, reflecting one of the coldest, driest years on record.’ Yquem.fr
Cellartracker.com 93.5 points