2017 Château Yquem Y d'Yquem 1500mL

98 POINTS

James Suckling

This is an exotic dry white with dried mango and pineapple and some slate throughout. Full-bodied with dense, rich fruit and saltiness, which, together with extremely energetic acidity, really drive the finish. Drink now or hold.

95 POINTS

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

White peach and lemon peel notes mingle out front in this slightly exotic and very seductive white. A flash of shortbread caresses the finish, allowing white ginger and yellow apple notes to glide in for added range and length. Everything ripples, with finely beaded acidity. Beautiful and distinctive. Drink now through 2028.   –JM

94 POINTS

Andy Howard MW - Decanter

A pungent and forceful nose with notes of saffron and dried apricots. Crisp, vibrant and driven on the palate, there is plenty of acidity to balance the concentration and alcohol here, along with an intriguing fresh mint note. Finishes with an appealing line of minerality. Sandrine Garbay commented that the Sémillon grape skins were slightly infected by botrytis, combating any tendency to bitterness in the blend. A blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon. 80% of the blend was aged in used Yquem barrels with 20% new oak.

92 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2017 Y de Yquem was picked very early from 16 August to 25 August. It was released the week prior to my visit. Side by side, the bouquet is almost identical to the 2018 with green apple and hints of yellow flower, the Sauvignon Blanc very expressive (75% of the blend). The palate is sweet and a little more viscous thanks to the additional gram of residual sugar compared to the previous vintage with hints of nectarine and apricot laced with lemongrass towards the persistent finish. Excellent.

Jancis Robinson MW

Very green, Sauvignon nose and then awfully heavy and sweet-tasting. I don’t really get this wine. Seems out of balance. When would you drink it? Stick to the sweet stuff! Bit astringent too. Drink 2018-2020 16/20