Liquid gold…this is how many describe the delicious sweet wines from Château d’Yquem. And in great vintages, this wine is truly worth its weight in gold. D’Yquem actually has its own vaulted status, being the only Premier Grand Cru Classé Superieur in the 1855 Classification. It was also a favorite wine of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who loved it so much that he re-ordered several cases d’Yquem upon Jefferson’s return trip to France, after having tasting it for the first time. For lovers of the sweet wines of Sauternes, d’Yquem is both the ultimate wine to drink and château to visit. Even those who do not favor wines of Sauternes will still come here for its history.
Upon arriving at d’Yquem, one has to wonder at the sheer size of the château and vineyards. D’Yquem is set atop a hill with a breathtaking panoramic view of the vineyards maturing their botrytized grapes. There is something special looking out over the vineyards, learning about how the noble rot process produces these fascinating wines. It is a truly magical process how these wines are made. The château is strikingly huge and majestic, and has adjoining gardens that provide numerous photographic opportunities. One has to wonder how this area looked when Thomas Jefferson visited, but it looks to be well preserved.
While the majestic château makes one reflect on the history of d’Yquem, the modern winemaking facilities represent the future and innovation. The aesthetics within d’Yquem exude a modern charm, showcased in a spiral staircase leading down to the barrel cellar. The downstairs barrel cellar is vast, as one would expect. A walk through the cellar is typically not permitted for the public, but little is missed here.
If you visit Château d’Yquem, of course you want a chance to taste the liquid gold. On this day, we tasted the 2005 vintage, a fantastic treat. It would have been nice to try ‘Y,’ the château’s dry white wine that receives less press but is still high quality. This is one tasting room where there is little spitting taking place. D’Yquem is to be savored, from start to finish. The tasting room is also one of the coolest (for lack of a better term) in all of Bordeaux. One almost feels like they are in a Miami nightclub, as the wall is decorated with an elaborate array of colors, representing the infinite colors of the wines of d’Yquem as these wines age. A unique and special tasting experience indeed.
Upon leaving d’Yquem, there is little wonder what Thomas Jefferson and countless others have seen in these wines. This is almost a must-visit if spending a day in Sauternes. The history here, which goes far beyond what can be explained in a visit, is second to none. But of course, there is not much better than savoring a 2005 Château d’Yquem, that’s for sure!
