Chateau d’Yquem holds just under 300 acres of vineyard land on gravelly, well-drained soil, but only uses about 250 to make wine in any given year. The remainder is due to a program of continual replanting which ensures that producing vines are always in their prime. And the vineyard is planted only to Semillion (75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25%), eschewing Muscadelle which is commonly used in the area but makes less distinguished wine.

Within an hour of harvest, the grapes of Chateau d’Yquem are in the winery and being pressed. Unlike most white wines, quality actually improves with multiple pressings as that extracts more sugar and flavor intensity. Chateau d’Yquem three or four times, with the initial effort yielding about 75% of the total volume.

Chateau d’Yquem does all its fermentation in new French oak barrels. This is unsual for Sauternes, but results in the most flavorful and pristine wine. Although there is variation from one vintage to the next, the typical Chateau d’Yquem wine finishes fermentation at 13.5% alcohol with 150 grams/liter of sugar.

All the barrels age for six to eight months after fermentation. At that point, under-performing barrels are set aside. The remaining barrels go to the aging cellar for 20 months, where they are topped up twice weekly to maintain freshness. For pure flavors and clarity, the wines are also racked 15 times and then fined before the final, blind tasting which determines the blend that will go into bottle.

Although not always very outgoing when young, Chateau d’Yquem 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 Chateau 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.

The 2006 Chateau d'Yquem is a Sauternes blend from the renowned Bordeaux region of France. This white wine has garnered significant acclaim from various professional reviewers, reflecting its remarkable quality and complexity.

Wine Spectator awarded this vintage a score of 96, praising its "lovely flavors of apricot, dried tangerine, pineapple and papaya," enhanced by "hazelnut, frangipane and coconut notes." The review highlights the wine's purity and filigreed acidity, noting its exceptional finish. They recommend drinking it from now through 2037.

Vinous gave the wine a score of 95, describing it as "Medium bright yellow, quite pale for 2006." The review commends the wine's fresh aromas of pineapple, coconut, caramel, vanilla, and spices, lifted by a floral element. The tasting notes emphasize its silky texture and penetrating acidity, which give sharp definition to its concentrated flavors of lemon, pineapple, and coconut. Vinous suggests that this wine needs more time in the bottle to fully integrate.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it highest with a score of 98, calling it "a monumental bottle of Sauternes" with a distinctive and elegant bouquet featuring aromas of thyme, sage, curry, baked pineapple, and oregano. The review highlights its full-bodied, layered, and multidimensional character, with superb acidity and a crystalline texture, concluding on an "endless, ethereal finish with a racy bitterness." This review stands out for its high praise and detailed description of the wine’s attributes.

Wine Enthusiast also scored it 96, noting its rich and balanced profile. The review mentions flavors of baked apples and intense dried fruits, with a discreet layer of botrytis.

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded it 96 points as well, describing it as "Bright, sweet, juicy, fresh, and vibrant," with a focus on orange fruit and a mix of ripe and candied mangos, apricots, tangerine, and pineapple.

Neal Martin’s Wine Journal gave it 97 points, calling it "a fantastic d’Yquem" with a complex nose of honey, ginger, and brown sugar, and a palate featuring honeyed fruit, honeysuckle, beeswax, apricot, and marmalade.

Finally, The Wine Independent scored it 96, noting its blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, and its pale to medium gold color. The review highlights notes of baked apples, peach preserves, dried mango, ginger cake, toasted almonds, and crème caramel.

Overall, the 2006 Chateau d'Yquem is a highly praised wine, noted for its complex flavors, excellent balance, and remarkable aging potential.