Château d'Yquem

Where four centuries of noble rot mastery meets uncompromising perfectionism, Château d'Yquem stands alone as the world's most revered dessert wine estate, commanding the hilltops of Sauternes with legendary authority that has captivated royalty, collectors, and connoisseurs since 1593. This singular First Growth Supérieur represents the absolute pinnacle of sweet wine production, where every vintage becomes liquid gold.

The Lur Saluces family stewarded d'Yquem's destiny for over four centuries before LVMH's acquisition in 1999, preserving traditions that define excellence itself. Under winemaker Sandrine Garbay's meticulous direction, the estate maintains its legendary status through obsessive attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. The philosophy remains unchanged: harvest only when Botrytis cinerea achieves perfect noble rot development, regardless of economic pressures or vintage challenges.

Across 113 hectares of prime Sauternes terroir, predominantly Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc, d'Yquem produces wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity. The estate's signature Château d'Yquem represents ultra-premium collectible wine at its finest, with production averaging just 65,000 bottles annually. Each grape undergoes multiple selective harvests, sometimes requiring six passes through the vineyard. The resulting wines achieve perfect balance between honeyed richness and crystalline acidity, capable of aging gracefully for decades. Critics consistently award perfect scores, while auction houses witness record-breaking prices for rare vintages.

Visiting Château d'Yquem requires advance booking and represents one of Bordeaux's most exclusive experiences. The 16th-century château overlooks the Garonne Valley, offering breathtaking views across the Sauternes appellation. Private tastings showcase the estate's remarkable library of aged vintages, while guided vineyard tours reveal the painstaking noble rot selection process. The tasting room, housed within the historic château, provides intimate settings for experiencing wines that represent centuries of winemaking evolution. Architecture enthusiasts appreciate the perfectly preserved Renaissance structure.

Secure your allocation of these investment-grade wines through The En Primeur Club's exclusive partnerships. Contact our sommelier team to arrange private château visits or acquire rare library vintages from this legendary Sauternes estate.