Château d’Yquem, the crown jewel of Sauternes and the only estate classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855, has long stood as the global benchmark for sweet wine. With centuries of winemaking mastery, d’Yquem is renowned for its extraordinary precision, patience, and the ability to create wines that balance richness, purity, and remarkable longevity.
Vineyard
The 113-hectare vineyard lies on the highest point of Sauternes, where gravelly soils over clay and limestone create ideal conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The 2011 vintage was harvested through meticulous hand-picking—up to ten passes through the vineyard—to ensure only perfectly botrytised berries were selected. The final blend comprises approximately 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, aged for around 30 months in new French oak barrels.
Vintage
2011 was one of the truly great modern vintages for Sauternes. A warm, dry autumn with early, concentrated noble rot led to pristine fruit of exceptional richness and balance. This vintage produced wines of stunning depth, vibrancy, and precision—highly reminiscent of legendary years like 2001 and 2009.
Tasting Notes
The 2011 Château d’Yquem displays a brilliant golden hue. The nose is complex and seductive, offering aromas of honey, candied apricot, orange blossom, pineapple, and saffron, with subtle notes of vanilla and toasted almond. The palate is opulent yet impeccably balanced—layers of ripe tropical fruit and citrus marmalade glide across the tongue, lifted by vibrant acidity. The finish is endlessly long, precise, and pure, reaffirming its status as one of the greatest Yquem vintages of the century.
Critics’ Acclaim
-
100 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
-
98 points – James Suckling
-
97 points – Wine Spectator
Universally acclaimed, the 2011 is praised for its power, freshness, and perfect harmony—considered a modern masterpiece of Yquem.
Technical Information
-
Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
-
Classification: Premier Cru Supérieur (1855)
-
Blend: ~80% Sémillon, ~20% Sauvignon Blanc
-
Alcohol: ~14%
-
Residual Sugar: ~150 g/L
-
Maturation: 30 months in 100% new French oak
-
Closure: Cork
-
Drinking Window: 2025–2100+
A Collectible Gem
The 2011 Château d’Yquem is a monumental Sauternes of breathtaking complexity and purity. Combining the intensity of botrytised fruit with a spine of crystalline acidity, it stands as one of the greatest expressions of d’Yquem’s enduring artistry—an essential addition to any world-class cellar.
