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 2015 Chateau d'Yquem is a standout Sauternes blend from Bordeaux, France. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this white wine boasts a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, with 144 grams of residual sugar and an alcohol content of 14.0%. The wine is sealed with a cork closure, ensuring its longevity.

James Suckling of jamessuckling.com awarded this vintage a near-perfect score of 99, highlighting its "powerful yet at the same time bright and dry" character. He praised its full-bodied nature, sweet layers, and the intricate balance between tannin and sweetness. Suckling emphasized the "purity and beauty" of the wine, noting its freshness and lightness alongside undeniable depth and richness.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoed this praise, also giving it a score of 99. Yohan Castaing noted the "multifaceted, entrancing bouquet" featuring aromas of jasmine, lime leaves, grilled bread, saffron, ripe orchard fruits, lemon oil, and spices. He described it as "crystalline and pure," with a seamless and layered palate, and an energetic yet saline finish. Castaing highlighted the wine's potential to reach the optimum score with at least 20 years of aging.

Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both rated the wine at 98. Wine Spectator's J.M. noted the fresh-cut orange, peach, and nectarine notes, followed by almond and warm pie crust, with a rich and honeyed feel balanced by an energetic inner core. Wine Enthusiast's JM highlighted similar flavors and noted its ability to age well from 2020 to 2050, describing it as rich and honeyed with an impressive balance.

Decanter's review by Jane Anson awarded the wine 99 points, praising its "huge intensity and concentration, amazing purity and crystalline fruits." She noted its impeccable balance between sweetness, acidity, and structure. Anson emphasized its ability to be enjoyed now or kept for over 50 years.

The Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown gave the wine a perfect score of 100, calling it "beautiful and it knows it!" She noted the opulent and seductive palate, with amazing texture and tension, and a profound sense of extravagance.

In summary, the 2015 Chateau d'Yquem is a powerful, complex, and beautifully balanced wine that has received high praise from multiple reviewers. Its ability to age gracefully makes it a worthy addition to any wine collector's cellar.