1997 Chateau d'Yquem
Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon
France / Bordeaux / Graves / Sauternes
WINEMAKER NOTES
1997 Chateau d'Yquem - Premier Cru Superieur Sauternes
The 1997 Chateau d'Yquem is a distinguished mature vintage from Bordeaux's most celebrated sweet wine estate. Classified Premier Cru Superieur in 1855, Chateau d'Yquem is renowned for its exacting vineyard selection, remarkable longevity, and the complexity achieved through noble rot. The 1997 vintage produced a richly textured Sauternes with generous fruit, balanced sweetness, and the capacity for continued development in bottle.
Tasting Notes
The bouquet reveals layers of dried apricot, candied orange peel, honey, and ripe peach, accompanied by saffron, vanilla, and delicate toasted almond. On the palate, concentrated stone fruit and citrus marmalade are supported by lively acidity, providing freshness against the wine's substantial richness. With maturity, nuances of caramel, beeswax, and exotic spice contribute further complexity. The finish is long and harmonious, combining sweetness with the characteristic freshness of Chateau d'Yquem.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grown on the estate's vineyards in Sauternes, Chateau d'Yquem relies on the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, to concentrate natural sugars and aromatic compounds. Harvesting is conducted through successive vineyard passes, selecting only grapes that meet the estate's demanding standards. Fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels contribute depth, texture, and the structural balance essential to the wine's exceptional aging capacity.
Investment & Collectibility
Chateau d'Yquem occupies a distinctive position among collectible Bordeaux wines. Its unique classification, historical reputation, and proven ability to mature over many decades support sustained interest from collectors. The 1997 vintage offers the appeal of a mature Sauternes with considerable complexity and further cellaring potential. As with all older fine wines, documented provenance, appropriate storage, and bottle condition are particularly important.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1997 Sauternes vintage benefited from conditions favorable to the development of noble rot, producing wines with concentrated sweetness and expressive aromatics. Chateau d'Yquem's rigorous selection resulted in a wine noted for its generous texture, layered fruit, and balance. Now approaching three decades of age, well-stored bottles can display developed tertiary characteristics while retaining the freshness necessary for continued evolution.
Explore Related Collections
Shipping Information
Domestic Shipping
We ship wine from Los Angeles, California, to eligible U.S. states via UPS or FedEx. Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 PM Pacific Time typically ship the same business day. Orders received after Thursday's cutoff or Friday through Sunday are generally held until Monday to avoid weekend transit. Shipping schedules may vary due to weather, holidays, and carrier operations.
Same-day local delivery may be available within the Los Angeles area Monday through Friday for orders placed before 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Please contact us to confirm availability and arrangements.
Packaging & Weather Holds
All wines are packed in protective EPS foam shipping containers, with gel packs used when appropriate. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) are shipped separately to protect both the wine and its original packaging.
During periods of excessive heat or freezing temperatures, we may recommend expedited shipping or holding your order. Complimentary temperature-controlled storage is available for up to six months from the purchase date. Select the weather-hold option at checkout or contact us to arrange a future shipment.
Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for shipping recommendations, weather forecasts, and temperature-related responsibilities.
Shipping Protection
Shipping protection against eligible loss or physical damage during transit is included with qualifying shipments, subject to applicable coverage terms, exclusions, and claims requirements. Temperature-related deterioration, including heat or cold exposure, is not covered.
Delivery & Signature Requirements
All wine deliveries require an adult signature from a recipient aged 21 or older. Customers are responsible for providing an accurate shipping address and ensuring an eligible adult is available on the first delivery attempt.
Failed delivery attempts, incorrect or incomplete addresses, refused deliveries, rerouting, or returned shipments may result in additional carrier, return, and reshipment charges payable by the customer.
International Shipping
International shipping may be arranged to select destinations, subject to prior approval and a minimum order of $2,000. Availability, import requirements, duties, and restrictions vary by destination. Please review our International Shipping Information before placing an order.
Where We Ship
We currently ship wine to the following U.S. states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Shipping eligibility is subject to applicable laws and carrier availability. If your state is unavailable at checkout, please contact us to confirm current shipping options.
1997 Chateau d'Yquem - Premier Cru Superieur Sauternes
The 1997 Chateau d'Yquem is a distinguished mature vintage from Bordeaux's most celebrated sweet wine estate. Classified Premier Cru Superieur in 1855, Chateau d'Yquem is renowned for its exacting vineyard selection, remarkable longevity, and the complexity achieved through noble rot. The 1997 vintage produced a richly textured Sauternes with generous fruit, balanced sweetness, and the capacity for continued development in bottle.
Tasting Notes
The bouquet reveals layers of dried apricot, candied orange peel, honey, and ripe peach, accompanied by saffron, vanilla, and delicate toasted almond. On the palate, concentrated stone fruit and citrus marmalade are supported by lively acidity, providing freshness against the wine's substantial richness. With maturity, nuances of caramel, beeswax, and exotic spice contribute further complexity. The finish is long and harmonious, combining sweetness with the characteristic freshness of Chateau d'Yquem.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grown on the estate's vineyards in Sauternes, Chateau d'Yquem relies on the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, to concentrate natural sugars and aromatic compounds. Harvesting is conducted through successive vineyard passes, selecting only grapes that meet the estate's demanding standards. Fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels contribute depth, texture, and the structural balance essential to the wine's exceptional aging capacity.
Investment & Collectibility
Chateau d'Yquem occupies a distinctive position among collectible Bordeaux wines. Its unique classification, historical reputation, and proven ability to mature over many decades support sustained interest from collectors. The 1997 vintage offers the appeal of a mature Sauternes with considerable complexity and further cellaring potential. As with all older fine wines, documented provenance, appropriate storage, and bottle condition are particularly important.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1997 Sauternes vintage benefited from conditions favorable to the development of noble rot, producing wines with concentrated sweetness and expressive aromatics. Chateau d'Yquem's rigorous selection resulted in a wine noted for its generous texture, layered fruit, and balance. Now approaching three decades of age, well-stored bottles can display developed tertiary characteristics while retaining the freshness necessary for continued evolution.
Explore Related Collections
1997 Chateau d'Yquem - Premier Cru Superieur Sauternes
The 1997 Chateau d'Yquem is a distinguished mature vintage from Bordeaux's most celebrated sweet wine estate. Classified Premier Cru Superieur in 1855, Chateau d'Yquem is renowned for its exacting vineyard selection, remarkable longevity, and the complexity achieved through noble rot. The 1997 vintage produced a richly textured Sauternes with generous fruit, balanced sweetness, and the capacity for continued development in bottle.
Tasting Notes
The bouquet reveals layers of dried apricot, candied orange peel, honey, and ripe peach, accompanied by saffron, vanilla, and delicate toasted almond. On the palate, concentrated stone fruit and citrus marmalade are supported by lively acidity, providing freshness against the wine's substantial richness. With maturity, nuances of caramel, beeswax, and exotic spice contribute further complexity. The finish is long and harmonious, combining sweetness with the characteristic freshness of Chateau d'Yquem.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grown on the estate's vineyards in Sauternes, Chateau d'Yquem relies on the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, to concentrate natural sugars and aromatic compounds. Harvesting is conducted through successive vineyard passes, selecting only grapes that meet the estate's demanding standards. Fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels contribute depth, texture, and the structural balance essential to the wine's exceptional aging capacity.
Investment & Collectibility
Chateau d'Yquem occupies a distinctive position among collectible Bordeaux wines. Its unique classification, historical reputation, and proven ability to mature over many decades support sustained interest from collectors. The 1997 vintage offers the appeal of a mature Sauternes with considerable complexity and further cellaring potential. As with all older fine wines, documented provenance, appropriate storage, and bottle condition are particularly important.
Vintage Insights & Accolades
The 1997 Sauternes vintage benefited from conditions favorable to the development of noble rot, producing wines with concentrated sweetness and expressive aromatics. Chateau d'Yquem's rigorous selection resulted in a wine noted for its generous texture, layered fruit, and balance. Now approaching three decades of age, well-stored bottles can display developed tertiary characteristics while retaining the freshness necessary for continued evolution.
Explore Related Collections
Choose options
