2010 Chateau D'Yquem
Country: France
Vintage: 2010
Region: Bordeaux, Sauternes
Winemaker Notes
A cool year, but one made interesting thanks to a warm, dry summer. The weather was ideal during the harvest and the grapes were in great condition. It was vital to pick only the best terroirs and to avoid the temptation of too large a crop by a rigorous sorting and selection during blending. The result is brilliant and more profound that anyone had dared to hope.
About Winery
Château d’Yquem, located in Sauternes in Bordeaux’s Graves region, has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages, when the site was first fortified in the 12th century. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the estate had developed into a wine-producing property, eventually gaining renown for its sweet wines made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Its reputation was cemented in 1855 when it was uniquely classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, the only Sauternes to receive this distinction. Over centuries, ownership passed through noble families and later to the LVMH group, but the estate has consistently produced wines celebrated for their extraordinary longevity, complexity, and prestige, making Château d’Yquem one of the most iconic names in the world of fine wine.
Winemaker Notes
Silky and opulent on the palate, the 1998 d'Yquem layers flavours of apricot, honey, and candied orange peel with notes of saffron, vanilla, and crème brûlée. Aromas of dried fruit, beeswax, and exotic spice rise from the glass, while its deep golden colour reflects both maturity and concentration.
About Winery
Château d’Yquem, located in Sauternes in Bordeaux’s Graves region, has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages, when the site was first fortified in the 12th century. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the estate had developed into a wine-producing property, eventually gaining renown for its sweet wines made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Its reputation was cemented in 1855 when it was uniquely classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, the only Sauternes to receive this distinction. Over centuries, ownership passed through noble families and later to the LVMH group, but the estate has consistently produced wines celebrated for their extraordinary longevity, complexity, and prestige, making Château d’Yquem one of the most iconic names in the world of fine wine.
98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium lemon-gold colored, the 2010 d'Yquem is just now starting to strut its stuff with gregarious scents emerging of underripe mangos, fresh pineapples, poached pears and candied peel plus nuances of waxed lemons, fungi, musk perfume and wet clay. Wonderfully poised, the seductively intense fruit is offset by beautiful freshness, supporting layer upon layer of savory nut and baked-bread notions with the tantalizing exotic fruits coming through on the long, long finish. For number crunchers: 13.5% alcohol, 138 grams per liter residual sugar, and total acidity is 3.6 grams per liter H2SO4. Tempting to drink now, I’m sensing there are still a lot of latent nuances to be revealed here. So—to get that full Yquem experience—I’d give it another five years in bottle, at least, and drink it over the next 40+ years.
98 Wine Enthusiast
Impressively balanced, with the fruit rich, intense with a golden glow. The acidity is as important as the freshness, giving a delicious lift to the core of dry, concentrated botrytis. Obviously a great wine for long-term aging in a great Sauternes year.
Barrel Sample: 96-98 Points
97 James Suckling
The purity of Botrytis in this wine is so impressive with dried fruits such apple and mango. And then spicy character. Full body and very sweet but it is incredibly fresh and lively. Such class and elegance. Perfectly manicured wine. Everything in the right place. This shows a delicacy and intensity that are spellbinding.

