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 2017 Chateau d'Yquem is a Sauternes Blend hailing from the Bordeaux region of France, specifically the Sauternes sub-region. This white wine, produced by Chateau d’Yquem, is notable for its high residual sugar content of 148 grams per liter and an alcohol percentage of 14.5%. The blend consists of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, sealed with a traditional cork closure.

Professional reviewers have lauded the 2017 vintage with near-universal acclaim. James Suckling awarded it a near-perfect score of 99, describing it as "a great Yquem, delivering thrilling purity and intensity." He highlighted its "smooth, glossy texture with flavors of grilled orange, dried apricot, and an exceptionally long finish." Suckling also noted the influence of noble rot due to September rains, which contributed to the wine's depth and character.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave it a high score of 97, praising its "minty and fresh bouquet with aromas of apricot, baked pear, saffron, honeycomb, and flowers." Reviewer Yohan Castaing emphasized its "beautiful bittersweet mid-palate and a long, endless finish," making it a balanced and seamless wine.

Vinous's Neal Martin echoed this sentiment, giving it another 97, and noted its "brilliant delineation on the nose with acacia honey, saffron, white flowers, and a subtle crushed stone element." Martin found it to be "supremely well balanced, surfeit with energy, spicy and feisty."

Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider was particularly enthusiastic, bestowing it with a score of 99 and declaring it "one of the great vintages of d'Yquem of all time." He described the wine's richness and intensity as "off the hook," with layers of "honey-slathered tropical fruits, vanilla, and apricot."

Decanter rated the wine 95, appreciating its "intensely aromatic" profile with notes of "tropical fruit, pineapple, roasted apricot, honey, and lime zest." They found it youthful, full-bodied, and rich, yet balanced by refreshing acidity.

Wine Spectator scored it 96, highlighting its "very flattering and unctuous" feel with flavors of "coconut, creamed papaya, toasted hazelnut, and warmed peach and tangerine cream." They recommended enjoying it best from 2025 through 2045.

Finally, The Wine Independent awarded it 98+, with Lisa Perrotti-Brown noting its "pale lemon-gold color" and "profound core of apricots, fresh Bosc pears, and blanched almonds." She described the wine as "full-on unctuous" with "epic length and amazing depth."

Overall, the 2017 Chateau d'Yquem is celebrated for its complexity, balance, and exceptional aging potential, making it a standout vintage in the storied history of this esteemed producer.