2008 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Blend

Sauternes Blend - 750ML
Reg: $425.00
$359.00
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REVIEWS

WE 98 TWI 97 WA 94 WS 94
WE 98

Wine Enthusiast, December 2009

(WE 96-98 points) Impressively balanced, with the fruit rich, intense with a golden glow. The acidity is as important as the freshness, giving a delicious lift to the core of dry, concentrated botrytis. Obviously a great...
TWI 97

The Wine Independent, September 2023

A blend of 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, with 139 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.7, the 2008 Yquem is pale to medium gold in color. It leaps from the glass with vivacious notes of lemon marmalade...
WA 94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2023

The 2008 d'Yquem reveals a complex, elegant bouquet with aromas of pineapple, exotic fruits, quince and orchard fruits, followed by both a balanced and medium to full-bodied palate, seamless and layered texture and a...
WS 94

Wine Spectator, January 2012

Beautiful lemon cream chamomile and fried pineapple notes with a refreshing almost floral edge running along as well. Creamy coconut and green plum notes fill in on the finish which has admirable length. A restrained...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Dessert
Varietal Sauternes Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Sauternes
Vintage 2008
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 13.5%
Closure Cork

Sauternes is the best and most sought-after region for dessert wine in Bordeaux, perhaps in all of France. Chateau d’Yquem is the most celebrated of all Sauternes producers.

The history of d’Yquem can be traced back to 1593, when local nobleman Jacques Sauvage became the feudal overseer of the property. The area was already home to late-harvest wines even then, and the Sauvage family moved things forward, creating “modern” vineyards—and the famous chateau—on the unique hill that contributes to d’Yquem’s outstanding quality. In 1711, the Sauvage family became full owners of the property and managed to retain it through the French Revolution.

The quality and reputation of Chateau d’Yquem wine improved as the vineyard was methodically expanded and enhanced. By the late 18th century, it was celebrated internationally and counted Thomas Jefferson among its staunch supporters. But the house continued to innovate and better its practices. The constructed a large, purpose-built cellar for maturation and aging in 1826 and, not long after, began harvesting in multiple passes to optimize fruit quality. This work was rewarded when Chateau d’Yquem was designated the only 1er Cru Superieur dessert wine in the famous 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines.

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 2008 Chateau d'Yquem is a remarkable wine that epitomizes the elegance and finesse of Sauternes. With its beautiful lemon cream chamomile and fried pineapple notes, this wine exudes a refreshing and almost floral aroma. As you take a sip, you'll be greeted with creamy coconut and green plum flavors that fill your palate, leading to an admirable long finish.

This wine is a product of Chateau d'Yquem, a renowned producer in Bordeaux, France. The vineyards are located in the sub-region of Sauternes, known for its exceptional terroir that produces some of the world's finest sweet wines. The 2008 vintage showcases the exceptional quality of this region, with a balanced and intense fruit profile that has a golden glow.

According to the Wine Spectator, this Chateau d'Yquem received a score of 94. The publication describes it as a restrained and lighter style wine with lovely precision. They suggest that it can be enjoyed now or aged until 2035. The Wine Enthusiast also gave this wine high praise, scoring it 98 points. They emphasize the impressive balance and intensity of the fruit, as well as the importance of acidity in giving a delicious lift to the concentrated botrytis.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 95. They note its medium lemon-gold color and its already complex and savory nose. The palate is described as rich, spicy, and decadent, with a racy backbone that lifts the fruit. The finish is long and multilayered, leaving a lasting impression.

With its incredible reviews and exceptional characteristics, the 2008 Chateau d'Yquem is a wine that truly deserves a place in any wine connoisseur's collection. Whether enjoyed now or aged for years to come, this Sauternes blend promises an unforgettable tasting experience.