Y d'Yquem (Ygrec) 2016

A unique dry white Bordeaux with a cool, fragrant and vibrant personality. Lots of candied citrus and pineapple with hints of almonds and finely chopped fresh herbs. Although quite voluptuous and creamy on the palate, you’d never guess that it had 14.5 per cent alcohol, because of the wonderful, pineapple and lemon freshness. Just a whisker of sweetness at the long, elegant finish. A blend of 75 per cent sauvignon blanc and 25 per cent semillon. Drink or hold.

The 2016 Y de Yquem is pale silvery in hue. The nose is crisp and precise with Chinese white tea, hints of chamomile and lemongrass. Taut and fresh on the palate, I appreciate the salinity of this dry white with lime and grapefruit towards its tensile finish. Excellent.

The dry white wine from Chateau d'Yquem. Only 10,000 bottles were produced in 2016 from a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon, picked September 5th to 13th. The wines was aged 80% in second year Yquem barrels and 20% in new oak. It has 7 grams per litre of residual sugar. The wine was bottled in July 2017 and released in September for delivery in November. This has the richness of the 2015 vintage but the acidity of 2014. Finely balanced, with a vibrant, lifted and floral nose reinforced with juicy peach and passionfruit. Notes of honeysuckle and a lightly waxy texture are cleansed by refreshing acidity which brings higher toned lemon blossom and grapefruit through. Lightly spicy and smoky, the oak is subtle, integrated and supportive rather than dominant, with a light touch that adds complexity of sweet vanilla and savoury nutmeg. The finish is long, fine and precise.