2021 Chateau d’Yquem 'Y - Ygrec' Dry Blanc Bordeaux OWC

Winemaker Notes:  Y is only made in select vintages. The first vintage of this dry white wine was made in 1959. The berries for Y are picked prior to the harvesting of vines for the Sauternes. Y is typically a mixture of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. The Semillon is picked just prior to developing noble rot for this wine. Y is a rare find, as less than 1,000 cases are produced of this wine a year. Y has a dry steeliness from Sauvignon Blanc coupled with the richly honeyed qualities of Semillon.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "Lime and spicy pear with crushed stone. Kumquats. Smoke and iron. Kiwi. Full and rounded with bitter pear and steel. Dried limes. Unique minerality. Bright acidity. Touch of sweetness at the end that makes it fascinating. 65% sauvignon blanc and 35% semillon. September release. Drink or hold. "

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux - 98pts - "A great example of this always-arresting dry white, with a ton of soft apple blossom aromatics, before drawing inwards to show scraping acidity, powerful white peach, quince, apricot and citrus flavours with a twist of lime juice, fennel and a salty tang of oyster shell and salted crackers. Has the richness, complexity and concentration that you find in Yquem, and although it won't have quite the same longevity, there is no issue with keeping this wine for 15 to 20 years. 7g/l of residual sugar, mainly from the Sémillon that is picked with the first bloom of botrytis, bringing an opulent, voluptuous feel that transmits the DNA of the property. Spends 12 months in 80% one year old barrels previously used for Château d'Yquem (of course fully washed and prepared, but still imparting a blush of rich flavour), together with 20% new oak. The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux was a better year for whites than reds, and this exceptional white wine is a great example. Last vintage with Sandrine Garbay as winemaker, leaving in 2022."