The 2020 vintage of Chateau d'Yquem Sauterne is a rich and opulent wine that truly captures the essence of this renowned French château. The wine's deep golden hue shimmers in the glass, giving a hint of its luscious and complex character. On the nose, fragrant honeysuckle and apricot waft through, followed by subtle notes of vanilla and toasted almonds. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and silky, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Flavors of ripe peaches, honeycomb, and citrus dance on the tongue, leaving a long and lingering finish. This vintage is a testament to the artistry and expertise of Chateau d'Yquem, and is sure to delight the most discerning of palates. Enjoy now or cellar for years to come.
Critic Reviews
97 POINTS
Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast
The floral wine has great intensity, dominated at this stage by the concentrated botrytis. It is powerful, rich, balancing acidity and sweetness. This of course is a great wine that will age, but it is almost ready now. Drink from 2027 and for many years.
96 POINTS
James Suckling
Very transparent and elegant with white peaches, lilacs, and light caramel. Medium-bodied, sweet and agile with salted caramel and dried orange character. Spicy botrytis at the end. Give this three or four years to come together.
96 POINTS
Georgina Hindle - Decanter
A masterclass in purity and delicacy for this 2020 vintage which manages to convey the beauty and allure of Yquem in a toned down, subtle and beguiling way. Aromas of white blossom and honeysuckle, gently caramelised Mirabelle plums and fresh apricots with flecks of clementine and grapefruit pith abound on the nose - richly scented in their individual aspects but delivered quietly, almost sultry and shy. Immediately mouthfilling and unctuous, streamlined and fresh with a sugary hit hitting first before mouthwatering acidity follows giving sumptuous succulence and vibrancy. Apricot, peach, fleshy mango and sharp pineapple give the exotic fruit zing balanced by a salty, flintiness that adds faint angles to the expression. Juicy, bright, clean and complete with hints of cinnamon spice and just-toasted bread providing the frame and structure reminding you that this is built to last. It's not as opulent as some vintages, much more understated and relaxed - and coincidentally one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135g/l - but this is a wonderful expression with control and confidence on show. It also has supreme drinkability even now with tension, clarity and energy so don't be afraid to open and enjoy this in its joyful youth.
The 2020 is the smallest production since 2000 with an equivalent of 35,000 bottles made. All stock will be released for sale on 23rd March with only a small number of bottles kept back for the estate's library collection. 3.79pH. The vintage was challenging in terms of viticulture with tropical spring-like weather delivering early budburst and high mildew pressure, especially given it was the estate's first year of official organic conversion. June was wet and cool followed by a hot, dry summer. Botrytis arrived in mid-October but there was only a small window of five days and two separate passes to harvest grapes with perfect noble rot.
Shipping & Returns
Marketplace Product:
Dispatch in 1 to 3 business days from our Sydney warehouse.
Vintages for Marketplace items are subject to change, and we cannot guarantee the specific vintage you ordered will be delivered. Generally, the latest available vintage will be delivered to you.
Please note: returns and refunds are not available on marketplace items. For full details on our refund policy visit here and for our shipping policy visit here.
Tasting Notes
The 2020 vintage of Chateau d'Yquem Sauterne is a rich and opulent wine that truly captures the essence of this renowned French château. The wine's deep golden hue shimmers in the glass, giving a hint of its luscious and complex character. On the nose, fragrant honeysuckle and apricot waft through, followed by subtle notes of vanilla and toasted almonds. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and silky, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Flavors of ripe peaches, honeycomb, and citrus dance on the tongue, leaving a long and lingering finish. This vintage is a testament to the artistry and expertise of Chateau d'Yquem, and is sure to delight the most discerning of palates. Enjoy now or cellar for years to come.
