21 Sep 2020

The latest vintage release of Château d'Yquem is always an event and the 2018 vintage is no exception, offered this morning at £1440 IB per six bottles, a reduction of 20% on the 2017. 

Describing the 2018 as an "excellent example" of this superlative wine, Decanter's Jane Anson scores it 97 points.  The 2018 growing season was marked by a hailstorm in July which struck the south-western parts of Sauternes, one of a number of reasons why the crop was reduced by 40% in this vintage, suggesting this vintage will be in limited supply in years to come.

The harvest itself was the longest on record, taking 78 days from start to finish.  The botrytis started in late September and the grapes were painstakingly picked by successive selections all the way through to November.

We love selling old vintages of Yquem and currently you can buy the 1918 vintage from our list at £2200 IB per bottle.  No wine conveys the concept of 'liquid history' better than this.   For a release from such a legendary estate, the 2018 seems good value at £240 IB per bottle, whether to enjoy whilst young or to cellar for many decades.

Offered ex-château, for invoicing en primeur.  Due to land in the UK in spring 2021.   

 

2018 Château d'Yquem, 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes

As ever with Yquem, patience was the key, taking in the "grapes slowly but surely over 17 days harvest that extended well into October.

The results in the glass are intense and glossy, full of satin-textured apricot and white peach flavours. There are exotic fruits of pineapple and mango but winemaker Sandrine Garbay has kept a focus on fresher flavours of lime zest and citrus that balance out the natural richness and concentration. Pretty closed right now, but there is power and balance here, an excellent Yquem.  97 points."  Jane Anson, Decanter, Sep 2020

£1440 IB per six bottles in bond