Yquem Y Ygrec Bordeaux Blanc 2022 1.5 Liter / Magnum

Chateau dYquem Y Ygrec Bordeaux Blanc 2022 1.5 Liter / Magnum

The 2022 Y (Ygrec) from Chateau d'Yquem stands as a remarkable achievement in dry white Bordeaux production, particularly given what the chateau itself described as a "hothouse" vintage.

Tasting Profile

This vintage displays staggering elegance with distinctive aromas of blanched almonds, white pear, elderflower, hawthorn, green leaf tea, and mimosa. The palate reveals layers of lime, confit lime, lemongrass, subtle apricot, and peach skin notes. White pome fruit flavors dominate, supported by a finesse-rich acid structure and subtle notes of salt and white almonds on the long-lasting finish. Critics have awarded it 95 points, praising its complexity and precision.

Vintage Characteristics

2022 was truly exceptional - the warmest and driest at Yquem since 1896, with just 136 days between bud-break and harvest (the shortest on record). Despite these extreme conditions, the wine shows remarkable freshness. Picking began on August 9th, the earliest harvest for Y d'Yquem since its first vintage in 1959.

Wine Composition

This vintage features an unusually high proportion of Sémillon at 40%, complemented by 60% Sauvignon Blanc. The Sémillon was harvested at the perfect moment to capture early-stage botrytis (locally called "castamé"), contributing significant complexity. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (one-third new, with the remainder previously used for Yquem), the wine has 14% alcohol and a residual sugar of 6.5 g/l.

Production Process

Y d'Yquem comes from the same outstanding terroir and vines as the legendary sweet Sauternes but with a different harvesting approach. The grapes represent a special selection - essentially a single bunch from each of the best vines grown for the grand vin, picked before the full onset of botrytis. Annual production remains limited at approximately 10,000 bottles.

Aging Potential

The 2022 vintage shows significant aging potential while remaining highly accessible now. Its complexity is already well-formed, though additional leafiness emerges with aeration, suggesting the value of decanting. Recommended drinking window: 2025-2040.

A technical triumph that combines the citrus freshness of Sauvignon Blanc with the complexity and depth of Sémillon, demonstrating Chateau d'Yquem's mastery over even the most challenging climatic conditions.