Chateau d'Yquem 2015
(Sauternes, France) - [TWI 100] [WA 99+] [DM 99] [JS 99] [WS 98]

About the Winery:
The one and only Premier Grand Cru Supérieur awardee in the 1855 classification, Château d'Yquem tells the story of a remarkable expertise that has been passed down since 1593. The genius of this sweet wine was acknowledged, and the Sauvage and Lur Saluces families went on preserving their treasure for over 400 years. The LVMH group acquired the estate in 1999, with the continued desire to go on writing the legendary Yquem story, both in keeping with tradition and remaining open to modern advances. From the vineyard to the cellar, the great art which crafts each vintage is also maintained through respect for the label, and determines the destiny of each year’s production.

About this Vintage:
A cool year, but one made interesting thanks to a warm, dry summer. The weather was ideal during the harvest and the grapes were in great condition. It was vital to pick only the best terroirs and to avoid the temptation of too large a crop by a rigorous sorting and selection during blending. The result is brilliant and more profound that anyone had dared to hope.

Ratings & Reviews

100 Points - The Wine Independent:
"A blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, with 144 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.65, the 2015 Yquem is beautiful and it knows it! Medium straw-gold in color, it is a little closed with subtle savory notions of almond croissant, nutmeg, powdered ginger, and toasted nuts, over a core of peach preserves, quince, musk melon, and grapefruit oil. Opulent, concentrated and so seductive, the palate delivers amazing texture and tension, finishing with a profound sense of extravagance. The alcohol comes in at 13.9%. Drink 2027-2097." - LPB (Sep 2023)

99+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"A blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc with 144 grams of residual sugar, the 2015 d'Yquem offers up a multifaceted, entrancing bouquet with aromas of jasmine, lime leaves, grilled bread, saffron, ripe orchard fruits, lemon oil and spices. Crystalline and pure, it’s full-bodied, seamless and layered, with excellent concentration on the mid-palate (thanks to clay soils), concluding with an energetic yet saline finish brought by calcareous soils. This is an opulent but charming vintage for Château d'Yquem, and it could reach the optimum score with a minimum of 20 years of aging. Harvest began on September 3rd and finished on October 21st. Drink 2023-2070." - Yohan Castaing (Oct 2023)

99 Points - Decanter:
"A profound, memorable Yquem that has huge intensity and concentration, amazing purity and crystalline fruits, and an impeccable balance between sweetness, acidity and structure. Despite its power, it can be enjoyed now, or kept 50+ years. A blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, with 144g/l of residual sugar, this may not quite have the ethereal lift of 2001 or 2007 but it’s a stunning wine. Drink 2022-2070." (11/19)

99 Points - James Suckling: 
"This is a very powerful yet at the same time bright and dry d’Yquem. Full-bodied, sweet yet phenolic and layered. Love the combination between tannin and sweetness. The purity and beauty are incredible; it’s the freshness and lightness that make this wine, yet the depth and richness are undeniable." (4/18)

99 Points - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider:
"The botrytis is strong in this one. From the moment your nose meets the glass, the nutty aromatics stick out like a sore thumb. Lush, sweet, rich and opulent, the intensity found of the tropical fruits does not quit. Pineapple, apricot and nutty sensations remain with you for at least 60 seconds. The wine is concentrated, lush, opulent, vibrant and has the ability to age for generations."

98 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Fresh-cut orange, peach and nectarine notes lead the way, followed by lightly singed almond and warm piecrust notes. Then another wave of green fig, warmed pear and coconut takes over on the finish. Rich and honeyed in feel, with obvious power, balanced by an energy in the inner core that should help this cruise in the cellar for some time. Best from 2020 through 2050. 8,333 cases made." - JM (Nov 2014)

98 Points - Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux:
"Sharp-sweet marmalade orange peel flavours. Utterly spellbinding, stretching out through the palate, mint leaf and white truffle on the finish. The higher Sémillon than in the 2019 comes through in the luxurious texture. A wonderful vintage at Yquem, and this is just a wine to savour - and one that will deliver for decades to come."

19/20 Points - Jancis Robinson:
Utter joy. Marmalade, vanilla, mixed spice, cream, butter. Unctuous without excess. Finely tuned with impossibly good balance. 19/20 points (RH)