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 2020 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Blend is a white wine from Bordeaux, France. Known for its refined elegance, this vintage displays a delicate balance of flavors and aromas that have garnered high praise from professional reviewers.

Decanter awarded this vintage an impressive score of 96, describing it as "a masterclass in purity and delicacy." The review highlights the wine’s subtle and beguiling nature, with aromas of white blossom, honeysuckle, Mirabelle plums, fresh apricots, clementine, and grapefruit pith. These scents are delivered in a quiet, sultry manner. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and unctuous, with a combination of apricot, peach, mango, and pineapple flavors balanced by a salty, flinty note. Decanter notes its "sumptuous succulence and vibrancy," with hints of cinnamon spice and toasted bread adding structure. They also mention that this vintage is one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135g/l, making it less opulent but wonderfully controlled and confident.

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine an even higher score of 98. He praised its "fresh, bright, vibrant, racy side" and its complex core flavors, including honeysuckle, dried oranges, apricots, lemon curd, saffron, marzipan, pineapple, and vanilla. Leve appreciates its balance of length, purity, lift, and ample acidity, stating that it offers richness and complexity. He suggests it can be enjoyed young for its luscious, sweet, ripe fruits, or aged for decades to develop more nuanced characteristics.

Wine Spectator awarded the 2020 Chateau d'Yquem a score of 95, describing it as having a "broad and unctuous feel" with notes of nectarine, apricot, and mango. The wine is contrasted with accents of bitter almond, orange blossom, and elderberry, adding range and depth. The finish is lush, carried by mango and piecrust flavors. Wine Spectator recommends enjoying it between 2028 and 2040.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a score of 94, noting its fresh bouquet of white fruits, orchard fruits, and mango, complemented by spring flowers. The review mentions the wine's balance and moderate weight compared to other vintages, making it a "tense, penetrating d’Yquem." Despite a challenging growing season and a brief harvest, the team at Chateau d'Yquem produced only 40,000 bottles, indicating a modest yield.

In summary, the 2020 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Blend is a highly acclaimed wine known for its refined elegance, complex flavors, and excellent balance. It can be enjoyed now for its vibrant youthfulness or aged for decades to develop further complexity.