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An epic wine - The 2016 Chateau D’Yquem is pure magic and dessert wines don’t get much better this.
Chateau D'Yquem is a wine that never fails to impress. Whilst many other Sauternes are fantastic, Chateau D'Yquem is a level above. The complexity is mind boggling and the length is everlasting.
Although not always the most outgoing in very young vintages, it is marked by fruit (apricot, mandarin, and occasionally tropical fruit) and oak (vanilla and toasty aromas). Older vintages, on the other hand, have an extraordinarily complex fragrance as soon as the bottle is opened, with hints of dried fruit (dried apricot, prune, stewed fruit, and marmalade), spice (cinnamon, saffron, and liquorice), and even flowers (lime blossom, etc.). The first impression of Château d'Yquem on the palate is always very silky, and often sumptuous. It then fills out, "coating the palate". This fine wine has a strong, but never overbearing character, with great elegance and poise. It always maintains a balance between sugar and acidity (sweetness and freshness). A touch of bitterness can also contribute to the overall harmony. Château d'Yquem's aftertaste is legendary, and it tells another story, which lasts and lasts…
Containing 135 grams per liter of residual sugar, the pale lemon-gold colored 2016 d'Yquem leaps from the glass with honeyed apricots, pineapple, green mango, crushed rocks, candied ginger, coriander seed and citrus peel with hints of orange blossom. Breathtakingly wide spectrum of floral honey, exotic fruit (passion fruit, mango and pineapple), caramel and marzipan aromas. But none of this is a jot too much. In fact, the wine is extremely precise and finely nuanced. Wonderful freshness and textural complexity, in spite of the considerable concentration and extravagance. Very suave and sensual finish that goes on and on.
James Suckling 99/100
Wine Advocate 98/100
Wine Enthusiast 97/100
Our preferred food pairing suggestions with Chateau D'Yquem would be Foie-Gras or Roquefort. The saltiness of the food and sweetness of the wine are a match made in heaven. If you want to serve the wine with dessert, we suggest fresh fruit such as apricots or peaches & cream or maybe crème brûlée.
If you're after a more daring food pairing, oysters, scallops or lobster work like a charm as well as glazed poultry or pork dishes, though we would prefer a young D'Yquem in this case.
Don't forget that Sauternes and in particular a young Chateau D'Yquem is the perfect aperitif with salty and savoury snacks - there cannot be a more grand opening to your dinner.
