Chateau d'Yquem 2011

The purity and freshness of an iconic Sauternes wine

The estate

South of Bordeaux, the Château d'Yquem is one of the most beautiful references of the Sauternes appellation. This legendary Premier Cru Classé Supérieur enjoys an exceptional terroir and gives birth to globally sought-after sweet wines.

The vineyard
The Château d’Yquem is an extraordinary place, nestled in the heart of the hills of the Sauternes appellation, rich in a hundred hectares of vineyards planted on a mosaic of gravelly-sandy terroirs. While the estate extends over 113 hectares of vines, the productive vineyard spreads over about 100 hectares, benefiting from warm and dry surface soils with large gravels. The clay soils, on the other hand, allow for good water reserves.

The vintage

The mild and dry winter precedes a spring whose clemency favors an early vegetative development. Flowering is recorded three weeks in advance. The hailstorm of April 25 has little impact on the estate's vineyard. The months of June and July are characterized by heavy rains beneficial for the vineyard, thus avoiding any excessive water stress, as well as a period of great coolness from July 13 to 29. Despite this unstable climate, the temperate conditions in July are ideal for preserving freshness and acidity. The heat, without being scorching, of August leads to a historic early harvest, which takes place from August 17 to September 7.

Blend

Sémillon and sauvignon blanc.

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château d’Yquem 2011

Tasting

With its exceptional aromatic palette, its power and its purity, Château d’Yquem 2011 is in line with the iconic 2001 vintage. This great Sauternes wine seduces with its freshness, its texture as well as its generous and refined palate.