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Y de Château d'Yquem 2023 Bordeaux supérieur AC, MC

Y… A unique interpretation of the Yquem terroir Made from the same vines as Château d’Yquem, Y stands out thanks to its different harvesting and production methods. Produced for the first time in 1959, Y continues to write its own story, year after year. It proudly claims its Sauternes identity by blending two of the appellation’s emblematic grape varieties: Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. From spring conditions that any winegrower would deem dreadful, the Château d’Yquem team created a turning point, reversing fate to carve their own path. Their renewed efforts to shield the vines from almost tropical conditions were rewarded as summer arrived. Intense heat was followed by short rains. Freshness ideally married the ripeness already achieved. Everything the vine could ask from the heavens was there, at just the right moment. This dreamed-of alignment precipitated the harvest—one of the most generous but also one of the earliest in Y’s history. TASTING NOTES: Y 2023 recalls the origins of Y, when Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon were blended in equal parts—a union under the sign of subtlety. From the very first moments of tasting, a multitude of leafy notes emerge, evoking lemon tree leaves, sage, and verbena. Then come hints of yellow fruit, striking a balance between the succulence of a crisp pear and the restraint of a freshly picked white peach. As the minutes pass, the wine reveals its floral impressions, a fine composition of wild rose and peony blossoms. On the palate, this Y is vibrant, its lively attack supported by notes of citron and golden kiwi, dense and creamy like a white melon at the start of summer. Beautiful bitters of yellow grapefruit extend its chalky, savory finish, marked by great depth and elegance. 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Sémillon.
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Producer/appellation: Sauternes/Barsac
Wine type: white wines
Year: 2023
Content: 75 cl
Organic/bio dynamic: No

96

Georgina Hindle

Decanter

Gorgeous fresh aromas of white peach and pear on the nose with bright elderflower freshness. Clean and pure. Hints of citrus lemon and some toffee cinder. Instantly alive and so focussed on the palate, this is vibrant and sharp with the acidity that gives a real kick. But this slowly expands in the mouth, adding layers of complexity and richness as well as an invigorating mouthwatering aspect. Just utterly gorgeous, a really soft oiliness that is reminiscent of Sauternes with enticing elements of bitter orange and grapefruit skin. Ends a touch salty which I also adore. A funfair in a glass. A wine to sit with and just enjoy each of the aspects - saltiness, sweetness, bitterness and freshness. I love it. What more could you want in a glass of wine? 3.15pH. 6g/L residual sugar. 08/2025


97

Jane Anson

Inside Bordeaux

Slow unrolls through the palate, this has an unmistakable grip of fresh acidities, but they are delivered with a gourmet twist, sat alongside salt-encrusted lime, sea spray, citrus, clementine, fennel, understated and enticing, with clear structure and ageing ability, 5g/l resigular sugar, this is not yet released, will be on the market in a few months time. 12 months ageing in 80% one year old barrels previously used for Château d'Yquem, imparting a hint of the estate signature, together with 20% new oak. 04/2025