At a glance

Producer

Château d'Yquem

Region

Sauternes, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc (blend)

Wine type

Dessert

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$700-$900 per bottle

Tasting profile

Honeyed apricot, orange marmalade, rich tropical fruits, subtle spice, and vibrant citrus notes

Evolution: Develops greater complexity of caramel, gingerbread, toast, and dried fruits over decades

At peak: Deep, layered aromas and flavors with perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, remarkable length

Structure

Acidity

High, precise and balancing the richness

Tannins

Low, soft and integrated

Alcohol

13%-14%

Aging potential

50+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2040 to 2060

Optimal window

2025 to 2070

Current status

Approaching early maturity, vibrant and complex

Current condition

Elegant with bright acidity and vibrant fruit, still youthful but well approachable for tasting

Château d'Yquem 2015 is a legendary sweet wine with exceptional concentration and balance, known for its extraordinary aging potential. The vintage quality and botrytis development ensure it will improve dramatically over the next 2-3 decades and maintain excellence for 50 or more years.

Food pairing

Perfect with foie gras, blue cheeses, rich desserts, or enjoyed solo as a contemplative dessert wine.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C (50-54°F)

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Focused on water conservation, reduced chemical inputs, and soil health maintenance; partial solar energy use; glass bottle lightweighting initiatives

Though not certified organic or biodynamic, Château d'Yquem employs sustainable farming practices focused on minimizing environmental impact. Energy and water conservation efforts are integrated, but the high-end luxury production and global distribution contribute to a moderate carbon footprint.