The 2019 Château d'Yquem, a Sauternes blend from Bordeaux, France, offers an exceptional tasting experience that has garnered high praise from numerous professional reviewers. This wine, which features a blend of 55% Sémillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc, stands out due to the highest percentage of Sauvignon Blanc ever used in a modern Yquem vintage. The vintage is notable for its alcohol percentage of 14.5% and residual sugar content of 138 grams per liter.
Jane Anson from JaneAnson.com rates this wine at 97 points, highlighting its "silky rich depths" and "tingling mineral limon and citrus flavors." She notes the presence of "white pepper, basil, and apricot," with a remarkable "sculpted gunsmoke and white truffle" aroma. Anson also points out that Château d'Yquem began organic conversion in August 2019, with certification expected in 2022.
Decanter also awards the wine 97 points, commenting on its "freshness" and "succulent, sweet and voluptuous palate" thanks to the high proportion of Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting notes emphasize "intense peach and apricot, combined with lemon and orange zest," making it an appealing choice for immediate consumption or long-term aging. The publication mentions that the 2019 growing season was challenging, with a warm and wet climate and mildew threats.
Vinous scores the 2019 Château d'Yquem at 98 points, noting the tight picking window during the harvest and the wine's slightly paler hue. The reviewer describes the wine as having "5.5g/L total acidity and 14.4% alcohol," emphasizing the importance of precise timing during the harvest period.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also gives the wine a score of 98, praising its "showy display of flowers, honeysuckle, candied apricots, orange rind, pineapple, mango, lemongrass, vanilla, and spice." He describes the wine as "opulent, fresh, sweet, rich, and most-importantly, lifted," suitable for various cuisines and both immediate enjoyment or long-term aging.
Wine Spectator, awarding it 97 points, describes the wine as "glistening with pure papaya, mango, white peach, and mirabelle plum," accompanied by "elderflower honey, toasted macadamia nut, and orange blossom notes." The publication suggests drinking it now through 2050.
James Suckling rates the wine at 96 points, noting its "juicy" nature with flavors of "tarte tartin, salted caramel, and dried oranges." He praises its "creamy and round texture" and "bright and vivid" character, recommending it for both immediate consumption or aging.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provides a slightly more conservative score of 93 points. Yohan Castaing highlights the "Sauvignon Blanc-driven bouquet" with aromas of "menthol, artichoke, iodine, asparagus, and orchard fruits," and describes the palate as "balanced and delicately moderated" with an "ethereal, fruity finish."
The 2019 Château d'Yquem is an exceptional Sauternes blend that showcases a high level of craftsmanship and a unique balance of flavors, making it a standout vintage for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.