2018 Ch D’Yquem Sauternes Half Bottle 375ml, Bordeaux

Half Bottle 375ml

The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown robertparker.com Oct 2020 Drink 2025-2050

An extremely polished and refined d’Yquem with lightly cooked peaches and mangos and an overlay of vanilla and cream with some lemon meringue. Orange peel, too. What is striking is the texture, which is creamy and so fine. The tannins give the wine energy and beauty. The finish is extremely long and impressive. So clean and refined. Not heavy at all, but vivid and clean as crystal. Goes on for minutes. Elegance with stature is a good description. Drinkable now, but better in 2023 and onwards.

97 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com

Château d’Yquem 2018 Sauternes is a stunning young release from Bordeaux’s most iconic sweet wine estate, already showing the poise, purity and luxurious detail that will see it evolve for decades. The vintage brought warm, dry conditions early-season before perfectly timed autumn humidity allowed botrytis to form gradually and evenly across the Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc berries. As always at Yquem, the harvest was conducted berry by berry in multiple passes, ensuring only fruit with ideal noble rot concentration made the cut. Fermentation and long élevage in new French oak add depth and texture while allowing the brilliance of the fruit to shine.

The nose is radiant and complex. Layers of apricot, peach and mango are wrapped in fresh citrus peel, pineapple and golden apple, all lifted by honeysuckle and white flowers. Underneath the exuberant fruit lie subtle botrytis notes of saffron, ginger, beeswax and sweet pastry. With air, hints of vanilla cream, almond praline and a gentle smoky spice reveal the finesse of the oak integration.

The palate combines richness and stunning clarity. Silky nectar like fruit glides over precise acidity, keeping the wine vibrant and never cloying. Flavours of apricot curd, candied citrus, pineapple jam, honeycomb and ripe pear unfold in slow, harmonious layers. A mineral thread runs through the wine’s core, bringing shape and focus as it extends into a long, luxurious finish with lingering fruit, spice and floral lift. Still youthful, it will blossom over 30 to 50 years into deeper tones of caramelised fruit, roasted nuts, truffle and exotic spice while retaining its energetic heart.

A magnificent match for foie gras, blue cheeses, truffled dishes, stone fruit desserts or simply poured as a showstopping finale. Even now, it is a masterclass in balance and elegance.