Wines Sauternes Château Yquem - 2001

Château d’Yquem 2001 is a truly legendary sweet wine from Bordeaux's Sauternais, made predominantly from Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc. The 2001 vintage is widely heralded as one of the best in its history. The character of this vintage owes much to meticulous selection, late harvesting under perfect botrytis (noble rot) conditions – allowing the grapes to reach an extraordinary concentration of sugars and flavour. Vinification at Yquem is uncompromising, with individual berry selection and protracted fermentation in new oak barrels, followed by a lengthy maturation, resulting in an opulent yet harmonious dessert wine of remarkable complexity and longevity.

The Sauternes region lies south of Bordeaux, adjacent to the Garonne River, and is renowned for its unique microclimate. The confluence of cool morning mists from the Ciron and warm, sunny afternoons creates ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis cinerea. The soils are a mosaic of gravel, clay, and limestone, conferring both richness and an underlying freshness to the wines. Historically, Sauternes has captivated collectors and connoisseurs since the 18th century, with Château d’Yquem as its undisputed benchmark for quality and endurance.

Pairing Château d’Yquem 2001 calls for equally noble dishes. Classic accompaniments include foie gras, whose richness is beautifully cut by Yquem’s vibrant acidity. Blue cheeses like Roquefort highlight its honeyed, apricot and candied citrus notes, while pairing with fine patisserie, such as an apricot tart or tarte Tatin, enhances the wine’s aromatic profile. For an unforgettable local touch, try with a traditional Gascon apple croustade or even with spiced lobster or roasted poultry, as the wine’s savoury-sweet spectrum has a remarkable versatility.

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and refined texture, Château d’Yquem 2001 should be served slightly chilled, ideally at 10-12°C. Allow the wine to breathe for a short time before tasting and use appropriate tulip-shaped glasses to concentrate its majestic bouquet. This wine promises to evolve beautifully with further ageing but is already exquisite in its maturity.