NEW RELEASE: Yquem & Rieussec 2018, Ygrec 2019

Yquem 2013 bottles.jpg

   

The iconic Chateau d'Yquem is the world's greatest sweet wine, the undisputed King of Sauternes situated on the finest terroir of the appellation - and the only wine in Bordeaux to be given special status as "Premier Cru Superieur".

 
2018 was one of the latest harvests yet at Chateau d'Yquem.  Botrytis took hold very gradually and reached peak concentration towards the end of October.  As usual picking was grape by grape with painstaking care.  The result was a rich but small crop, around 40% of an average year, of outstanding quality. 
 
"power and balance here, an excellent Yquem"
97pts Jane Anson

We are pleased to also offer the excellent quality dry white wine made here:  "Y d'Yquem" - pronounced Ygrec - from grapes picked before the onset of botrytis.  Limited quantity.

Chateau Rieussec has also chosen today to release its 2018 vintage.  Owned by the Rothschilds of Lafite, Rieussec neighbours Yquem to the west and is consistently very good quality and often outstanding becoming one of the most popular of the appellation, after Yquem.  In 2018, Rieussec contains an unusually high proportion of Sauvignon Blanc in the blend (25%) and shorter time in barrel, making this a distinctive, fresh-styled Rieussec.
 

NEW RELEASES - Available November 2020


Chateau d'Yquem 2018
£720 per 3    /  £1,440 per 6   /  £2,880 per 12  Bottles
£720 per 6  /  £1,440 per 12  /  £2,880 per 24   Half-Bottles
£1,440 per 3 
/  £2,880 per 6
  Magnums

£960 per Double Magnum (3 Litres)
£1920 per Imperial (6 Litres)

Average temperatures 2.7°C over average, combined with 20% of the normal rainfall from mid August to the end of July made makes this a naturally rich, low-yielding vintage (40% less than average, not helped by a hail storm in July), with a gloriously gourmet 145g/ha residual sugar, and a pH level of 3.95. 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.   Drink 2022-2050.
97 points - Jane Anson, Decanter

 


Ygrec d'Yquem 2019
£570 per 6x75

Not Yet Rated.  The top-quality dry white wine from the world's greatest white wine estate.  Ygrec is made from certain parcels from the same outstanding terroir and vines as Yquem, from grapes that are picked before botrytis hits. Ygrec is a powerful, complex white wine that truly demonstrates the richness, aromas & exceptional terroir of Chateau d'Yquem.

Limited quantity

 


Chateau Rieussec 2018
£198 per 6x75        Bottles
£198 per 12x37.5    Half-Bottles
£198 per 3x150  
     Magnums

Blended of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, the pale lemon-gold colored 2018 Rieussec reveals delicate scents of lemon drops, pear tart, marzipan and crushed stones over a core of orange blossoms, white peaches and lime leaves. The palate has a quiet intensity of an array of citrus and savory layers with amazing freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
93-95 points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate