The most expensive Chateau d’Yquem wine is considered to be the Chateau d’Yquem 1945. It was sold by the reputable wine auction house Sotheby’s in 2011 to a Hong Kong buyer for an astronomical 97,000 Euros per bottle.
This auction set a new record for the most expensive bottle of white wine ever sold.
At the time of the auction, the bottle was described as “having a distinct nutty, honey bouquet and incredible flavor. An exceptional finish, with great structure and length. ” This bottle was the epitome of some of the greatest wines made in the Bordeaux region of France.
It was ranked with a perfect 100 score by the prestigious wine critic Robert Parker, setting a record at the time.
The Chateau d’Yquem 1945 is an extremely rare vintage and considered to be one of the best dessert wines ever made. While the exact selling price may never be known, it is certain that this bottle will remain as the most expensive bottle of Chateau d’Yquem ever.
Table of Contents
Why is Chateau d Yquem so expensive?
Chateau d’Yquem is one of the world’s most iconic and expensive wines. The reason for its high price tag is largely due to its rarity and exclusivity. Chateau d’Yquem is produced exclusively in the Sauternes region by the Lurau-Rabaud family.
They produce only 18,000 to 24,000 cases each year. However, this number is greatly decreased in years where the botrytised grapes that are used to make Sauternes don’t develop due to rainy weather.
Furthermore, Chateau d’Yquem is regarded as one of the greatest wines in the world, due to its capability to age incredibly well and its complex aroma and flavor profile. The balanced acidity of the wine is what allows it to age and develop in bottle so perfectly.
This is why one 750ml bottle of Chateau d’Yquem can often cost over $1000.
Lastly, the history behind Chateau d’Yquem contributes to its premium price tag. It is the world’s oldest classified Bordeaux Superieure and the only wine to have maintained its high rating since it was established in 1855.
This history and impeccable quality means that it’s in hardcore demand and certain vintages often rise in value over time, making it an incredibly desirable consumer product.
How long can you keep Chateau d Yquem?
Chateau d’Yquem can be cellared for decades, if the conditions are ideal. Optimal storage for this wine is between 12-18 degrees Celsius (54 – 64 degrees Fahrenheit) with low humidity, in a dark place with a consistent temperature.
Depending on the vintage, the ideal drinking age may differ, but generally, you can expect the best experience with wines that have aged at least ten or more years in cellar conditions. With bottles from older vintages, the likelihood of bottle variation increases and it is recommended to taste before service to ensure optimal enjoyment.
When cellared properly, earlier vintages of Chateau d’Yquem like 1975, 1983, and 1996 can easily last more than 40 years in the cellar and provide a unique experience any wine enthusiast should savor.
What kind of wine is Chateau Yquem?
Chateau Yquem is a premier cru, sweet wine made from the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties, produced in the commune of Sauternes in the Graves region of Bordeaux, France. It is considered to be one of the finest and most famous sweet wines in the world and is arguably the best Sauternes.
The vineyard has been under the ownership of the Lur Saluces family since the late 18th century, with this particular wine being first produced as a Grand Cru Classé in 1855. The main characteristics of Chateau Yquem are a golden-yellow color, aromas of honey, apricots and baked apples, with a balanced and long lasting flavor that is both sweet and intense.
What do you serve Sauterne with?
Sauterne is a sweet, full-bodied white wine that pairs well with traditional rich and sweet dishes. Dishes like foie gras, rich cheeses, sweet fruits, and desserts all work well with Sauterne. Due to its rich flavor and sweetness, dishes like seared scallops, sweet sauces, and rich cream sauces are perfect for Sauterne.
Some classic dishes that pair well with Sauterne include Lobster thermidor, risotto with porcini mushrooms, pan-seared beef medallions, white fish with sweet onions, and quail in sweet fig sauce. Sweet desserts like crèmebrûlée, sticky toffee pudding, and caramel custards also taste amazing when paired with Sauterne.
Additionally, Sauterne is a great wine to sip on its own, with its velvety texture and complexity of flavor.
Do you refrigerate Sauternes?
Yes, you should always refrigerate Sauternes. This sweet, dessert wine is best enjoyed chilled, and storing it in the refrigerator will help it stay at its optimal temperature. It should be enjoyed within two weeks of opening.
Once opened, Sauternes can be stored in the refrigerator until time of consumption. If the wine is not consumed within two weeks, it can be frozen for up to one month. Before serving, it should then be thawed until it reaches its original temperature before storing in the refrigerator.
When it comes to storage overall, it is ideal to store Sauternes away from light and at a moderate temperature. This is best achieved if the wine is kept in a wine cellar or cool closet. Sauternes should be handled with care and not subjected to extreme temperatures or conditions.
What is Sauternes traditionally paired with?
Sauternes is a type of dessert wine from the Bordeaux region in France. It is typically a sweet and luscious, golden-colored wine with honey and apricot aromas, combined with flavors of roasted nuts, honey, and spices.
It is considered one of the greatest sweet wines in the world.
Sauternes is typically paired with a variety of cheeses, especially blue cheeses, creamy goat cheeses and mild Brie. It’s also a great match for salty hams, such as prosciutto or jamon, or slightly-salty appetizers such as olives, pickled vegetables or caviar.
Traditional desserts such as flan, creme brulee and tarts are also favorites to pair with Sauternes. Fruit-based desserts like apple tarts or poached pears are ideal for matching with the flavor profile of this sweet wine.
What cheese goes with Sauterne?
Sauterne is a sweet and full-bodied white wine, so it can pair well with a wide variety of cheeses. Some of the best options are creamy cheeses with soft and mellow flavors, like brie, Camembert, and Fontina.
These cheeses have a mild taste, allowing the sweetness of the Sauterne to come through without overpowering. If you’d like a more intense pairing, aged goat cheese, Gouda, and aged cheddars all have bold flavors that will stand up to the sweetness of the wine.
Aged blue cheese is an excellent pairing for a bold flavor and complex texture profile. For an unexpected twist, try pairing Sauterne with a tart sheep’s milk cheese. Ricotta salata, feta, and halloumi can bring out the underlying fruit notes in the Sauterne and will provide a balance to the sweetness.
Does Sauternes pair with chocolate?
Yes, Sauternes can pair with chocolate very well. This is because the sweet and fruity flavors of Sauternes tend to harmonically pair with the deeper, richer flavors of chocolate. This bold flavor combination is often used in dessert recipes and in specialty drinks (like an after-dinner port or late-night sipper).
The acidity of Sauternes wine complements the richness of the chocolate, while the sweetness helps to temper the bitterness of the cocoa. This creates a deep and complex flavor profile that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Additionally, the slow, mellow finish of Sauternes can finish off a decadent dessert with just the right amount of sweet.
Is Sauterne wine sweet or dry?
Sauterne wine is a sweet, dessert-style wine made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes grown in Bordeaux, France. It is known for its high sugar content and honeyed character, and is usually made in a white, late-harvest or botrytis-style with a golden hue and creamy texture.
Depending on the producer and vintage, Sauterne wine can range from dry to sweet, so it is important to check the label for more information about the wine’s sweetness level. When aged for a few years, Sauterne can take on flavors of apricot, honeysuckle and melon.
What is better than Grand Cru?
It is difficult to say what is “better” than Grand Cru because, like any category of quality, the idea of “better” can vary depending on individual tastes and preferences. However, there are some alternatives commonly sought out by those looking for wines of an even higher caliber than a Grand Cru.
An Ultra-Grand Cru is one such option, being a special classification reserved only for the best of the best wines. Similarly, wines produced through single-vineyard winemaking are also highly-regarded since they are produced entirely from grapes grown in one unique vineyard, resulting in a unique flavor profile and complexity.
Finally, some of the most expensive and sought after wines are considered “cult wines”, wines made in very limited quantities by winemakers of exceptional repute.
