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 2021 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Blend from Bordeaux region, specifically Sauternes, is an impressive white wine that has garnered high praise from several prominent wine reviewers. This vintage is composed of 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, and boasts 148 grams per liter of residual sugar, making it the sweetest Yquem since 2017.

Neal Martin from Vinous rated the wine 96 points, noting its "very attractive bouquet with scents of dried quince, clementine, linseed and subtle candle wax." He described it as "medium-bodied and viscous on the entry," with a lighter and more tensile finish compared to previous years, making it "comparatively approachable and, of course, delicious."

The Wine Independent gave the wine an excellent score of 97, highlighting its "pale lemon-gold color" and "perfumed notes of orange peel, juicy peaches, grapefruit, and honeycomb." The reviewer praised its "fantastically satiny" palate with "great tension and loads of spicy sparks," concluding that it finishes with "epic length and a zesty lift."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored the wine 95 points, emphasizing its "complex bouquet of rose, exotic fruits and mandarin orange mingled with spring flowers, rose and crème brûlée." The review noted that the wine is "ample and seamless," with a "deep core and a long finish" and that the new oak is "perfectly integrated and barely noticeable."

Wine Spectator awarded the wine 94 points, describing it as "unctuous and flattering," with flavors of "toasted coconut and macadamia nut notes infusing the mango, peach and papaya flavors." The review suggested that the wine is a bit "throwback in style, with more oomph than freshness."

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com was particularly enthusiastic, giving the wine 98 points. He noted its "complex aromatic profile" and "ample sweetness," balanced by "racy acidity." Leve highlighted its versatility, stating that it can be enjoyed either as a sweet wine or paired with savory and spicy dishes.

Finally, James Suckling offered the highest praise with a perfect score of 100 points. He lauded its "dreamy, subtle aromas of dried fruit such as apricots and mangoes," and its "full-bodied" yet "vivid and compact" nature. Suckling described the wine as "dynamic," with a finish that will "linger for ages."

In summary, the 2021 Chateau d'Yquem is a highly acclaimed Sauternes Blend that offers a rich, complex, and balanced profile, making it a standout vintage in a challenging season.