At a glance

Producer

Château d'Yquem

Region

Sauternes, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc

Wine type

Dessert

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

US$600-800

Tasting profile

Intense vibrant notes of peach, apricot, honey, and light notes of caramel and vanilla

Evolution: More complex tertiary notes of nuts, dried fruits, and marmalade will develop over 10+ years

At peak: Rich, balanced sweetness with fresh acidity and a long, elegant finish

Structure

Acidity

High acidity balancing sweetness

Tannins

Very low, typical for sweet white dessert wine

Alcohol

13-14%

Aging potential

50+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2048

Optimal window

2025 to 2051

Current status

Young, developing complexity

Current condition

Structured with vibrant acidity and developing aromas

Château d'Yquem is world-renowned for exceptional botrytis-affected sweet wines with extraordinary aging potential. The 2011 vintage, while less opulent than classic vintages, still offers excellent balance and structure for decades of gradual evolution.

Food pairing

Foie gras, blue cheeses (such as Roquefort), fruit tarts, and rich desserts

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Limited chemical inputs, water conservation techniques, and partial use of renewable energy

While Château d'Yquem practices sustainable viticulture with advanced water management and energy conservation, the heavy glass bottles and global distribution increase the carbon footprint. The estate focuses on minimizing impact but lacks certified organic or biodynamic status.