2017 "Y" d'Yquem

The 2017 Yquem is destined to be one of my favourite recent vintages. It has brilliant delineation on the nose with acacia honey, saffron, white flowers and a subtle crushed stone element. So much energy is palpable. The palate is supremely well balanced, surfeit with energy, spicy and feisty and yet paradoxically beautifully controlled and pixelated towards the extended finish. It’s not unlike the brilliant 2014 in style. Tasted at the château.

Tasted blind.  Pale gold. Subtle, refined nose. Wonderful intensity and superb balance on the palate. The sweetness is matched by grip and subtly savoury spices. There is plenty of botrytis, but its earthy complexity is woven superbly into the wine. There is great potential here. (TP)

75% Sémillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc. The early part of winter was cold and very dry. Warmer temperatures and rain returned in February and the weather in March led to a quick start to vegetative growth. The most significant event of spring 2017 occurred in late April when frost struck to a degree that had not been seen since 1991. Miraculously, the temperature did not go below freezing at Château d'Yquem. Only a few vines on the fringes suffered, with little effect on the crop. In early May, a period of fine warm weather set in, with periodic showers. The summer of 2017 was the fourth-hottest since 1897. The growing season was a good month ahead of average, an advance that reached a peak on about 20 June. Harvest 16 August to 13 October. Mid straw. Waxy nose with some savoury quality. Lovely combination of freshness and beeswax. Toasty edge. Racy energy. This is the sort of Yquem that could be drunk as an aperitif. Not too heavy, not too sweet, but definitely Yquem. Even slightly dry on the end! Good purity and lemon zest plus round sweetness. Very brisk. (JR)