Château d’Yquem 2007 - Magnum
Château d’Yquem embodies the pinnacle of great sweet wines from Sauternes, the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the Bordeaux classification. Its vineyard overlooks the Garonne valley on gravel and deep clay hills that promote the concentration and nobility of noble rot. Here, the vine is worked with extreme precision, plot by plot, to seek grapes of impeccable maturity and health. The noble rot is harvested by successive selections, berry by berry, in a uniquely demanding process. The long aging in new barrels patiently refines the substance and structures the liqueur without ever weighing down the wine. Yquem 2007 thus fits into the lineage of the estate’s great classic vintages.
The 2007 vintage is characterized by a very successful year in Sauternes, with a progressive development of noble rot producing grapes of great aromatic purity. The harvest was spread out to pick each cluster at its optimum concentration, offering a rich liqueur supported by a straight and energetic acidity. After delicate pressing, the musts are fermented in barrels and then aged for a long time on fine lees, with extremely precise monitoring of each lot. Presented here in magnum, the wine benefits from a slower and more harmonious evolution, which significantly extends its aging potential. This large format preserves the freshness of the bouquet and the tension on the palate, while amplifying complexity with age. It is an ideal format for great occasions and enthusiasts who wish to follow the evolution of a great Yquem over several decades.
On tasting, Château d’Yquem 2007 magnum reveals a sumptuous nose of candied fruits, dried apricot, mango, roasted pineapple, and orange marmalade, complemented by honey, vanilla, beeswax, and saffron notes. On the palate, the liqueur is dense, silky, and enveloping, yet perfectly balanced by a lively acidity that stretches the wine and gives it incredible energy. Flavors of exotic fruits, quince, almond paste, and buttery brioche layer in a deep and caressing texture. The finish is very long, saline, spicy, with echoes of candied citrus, honey, and noble spices that linger for many seconds. At the table, this 2007 Yquem magnum pairs magnificently with pan-seared or half-cooked foie gras, roasted poultry with fruits, lobster, or refined sweet and savory cuisine, and it also shines with blue cheeses or a citrus dessert. Served slightly chilled in large glasses, it offers a tasting experience of rare intensity.
