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Vinous
2021 Chateau d'Yquem 'Y' – A Rare, Dry Expression from Sauternes' Iconic Estate
The 2021 Chateau d'Yquem 'Y' (Ygrec) is the unique dry white wine from the legendary Sauternes estate, Chateau d’Yquem. Produced in extremely limited quantities, ‘Y’ represents a singular take on Bordeaux Blanc, offering precision, tension, and aromatic depth. Unlike the estate’s sweet flagship, ‘Y’ is vinified dry but retains the same meticulous attention to detail and terroir expression from Yquem’s historic vineyards.
Tasting Notes
The 2021 vintage presents a crisp, energetic profile with notes of lemon curd, white peach, and grapefruit zest, accented by subtle hints of flint, wild herbs, and a trace of vanilla oak. The palate shows layered texture, driven by Sauvignon Blanc’s brightness and Sémillon’s richness, leading into a saline, mineral-laced finish. It is vibrant now, but structured for mid-term aging.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
‘Y’ is crafted from parcels within the Chateau d’Yquem estate, with a blend typically around 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon. Grapes are picked at optimal maturity—often in several passes—to retain freshness and aromatic complexity. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, 50% new, with bâtonnage on lees to develop roundness. The wine is then aged for 10 months before bottling.
Investment & Collectibility
As a dry wine from the storied Sauternes property, ‘Y’ is rare and collectible, appealing to both white Bordeaux collectors and those drawn to Yquem’s prestige. With limited allocations each vintage, and increasing attention from sommeliers and critics alike, the 2021 offers both immediate appeal and aging potential. Perfect for your collection or as a contrast to the estate’s sweet wines.
Vintage Insights
The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a cooler, more classic growing season. For Ygrec, this resulted in a wine with lifted aromatics, bracing acidity, and strong varietal expression—particularly favoring Sauvignon Blanc. It is a vintage defined by precision and restraint, echoing the structure of 2014 and 2017.