Rated 3.92 out of 5 based on 24 customer ratings

(25 customer reviews)

Chateau d’Yquem 2018

$319.95

13.50% /

375ml /

Vintage: 2018

WS 96
WA 95
DEC 97
JS 97
VIN 93

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Winery: Chateau D’Yquem
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Winemaker: Sandrine Garbay
Wine Style: Dessert Wine - Lush and Balanced
Wine Country Of Origin: France
State / Province: Bordeaux
Sub Region / AVA: Sauternes

Brand: Chateau D’Yquem

Wine Description

The 2018 Chateau d Yquem, a luminous star in the Sauternes region, is a magnificent representation of the revered Chateau Yquem’s winemaking legacy. Under the expert guidance of winemaker Sandrine Garbay, this vintage emerges as a masterpiece of balance and intricacy.
In appearance, the wine radiates a splendid golden hue, a visual promise of its richness. The alcohol content, at 13.5%, is harmoniously integrated, highlighting the Chateau d Yquem wine’s grace and robust character. Embracing tradition, the classic cork closure adds a nostalgic charm to every bottle of this wine Chateau d Yquem produces.
The year 2018 presented climatic challenges, yet the expertise at Chateau Yquem triumphed, yielding a wine of remarkable depth and rarity. The season, marked by temperatures averaging 2.7°C above the norm, culminated in a sumptuously concentrated vintage, albeit with yields reduced by 40% due to July hailstorms. The meticulous 17-day harvest, stretching into October, is reflected in every sip of this exceptional Yquem wine.
With a residual sugar of 145g/ha and a pH of 3.95, the 2018 Chateau d’Yquem is a luxurious tapestry of sweetness and vibrancy. The d Yquem wine’s palate is greeted with the glossy opulence of apricot and white peach, enveloped in a silky texture. Exotic notes of pineapple and mango dance alongside, while the brighter essences of lime zest and citrus, expertly woven by Garbay, maintain a refreshing counterbalance.
Currently, the Sauternes Chateau d Yquem presents as somewhat reserved, yet its inherent power and equilibrium foreshadow a splendid evolution. While it is tempting to indulge in the Chateau d Yquem half bottle now, patience will reward enthusiasts with a more profound experience, ideally starting from 2022 and potentially extending to 2050.
This d’Yquem vintage has garnered widespread admiration. Wine Spectator awarded it 96 points, lauding its blend of honeyed and orchard notes, and suggesting an optimal drinking window from 2025 to 2045. The Wine Advocate echoed this sentiment with 95 points, praising its aromatic complexity and balanced palate, making it an immediately enjoyable Y Yquem. Decanter gave it a remarkable 97 points, highlighting the intensity and balance achieved by the Chateau Yquem wine team despite the challenging conditions.
James Suckling’s 97 points celebrated the wine’s polished refinement, with a vibrant palate and lasting finish, deeming it drinkable now but even better after 2023. Lastly, Vinous, with 93 points, admired the Chateau d Yquem price-worthy lusciousness and fine aftertaste, though noting a slight divergence from the very best vintages.
The price of Chateau d Yquem reflects not only its immediate allure but also its potential for graceful aging, making Sauternes d Yquem a sought-after addition for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
In essence, the 2018 Chateau d’Yquem is not just a wine but a journey through the artistry and resilience of one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed estates. Each glass, a reflection of history, craft, and the terroir of the legendary Yquem vineyards, offers a unique experience – a testament to the timeless allure of Chateau d’Yquem.

Reviews (25)

25 reviews for Chateau d’Yquem 2018

Rated 3 out of 5

Patrick Esquivel – March 18, 2022

The price of Château d’Yquem is worth every penny. The marmalade and orange flavors are out of this world. D Yquem, take a bow!
Rated 3 out of 5

Gina Knight – April 21, 2022

If you haven’t tried the Chateau d Yquem wine yet, you’re missing out. It’s a symphony of peach and vanilla. Y de Yquem, bravo!
Rated 3 out of 5

Aline Wilcoxon – May 25, 2022

The price of Château d’Yquem might seem steep, but one sip of this d yquem wine with its rich caramel undertones and you’ll know it’s worth it. A must-try for all wine enthusiasts.
Rated 3 out of 5

Marie Little – May 29, 2022

The yquem is a bouquet of flavors. The honeycomb and nutty notes are simply divine. Chateau d Yquem, you’re a masterpiece!
Rated 5 out of 5

Helen Ferguson – July 30, 2022

Château d’Yquem Sauternes is a decadent experience. Bursting with flavors of marmalade and orange, the sauternes d yquem is not just a wine, it’s an adventure for your taste buds!
Rated 3 out of 5

Merlin Dennis – August 2, 2022

Chateau d Yquem wine is a symphony of flavors. The hazelnut and oil notes are a perfect blend. Chateau Yquem, you’re a wonder!
Rated 5 out of 5

Ricardo Mccoy – August 13, 2022

The yquem wine is an explosion of flavors. I love the hint of caramel and the surprise of pineapple. Yquem, you’ve done it again!
Rated 5 out of 5

Kerry Frazier – October 12, 2022

The Chateau Yquem is a medley of flavors. The mushroom and dried fruit notes are a unique combination. Chateau d Yquem, you’re a star!
Rated 4 out of 5

Vickie Hardin – October 26, 2022

Wine Chateau d Yquem is a melody of flavors. The stone fruit and quince notes are a delight. Yquem, you’re sublime!
Rated 4 out of 5

Michael Mize – October 29, 2022

Chateau d Yquem Sauternes is a riot of flavors. The melon and lime notes are refreshing. Yquem, you’re a sensation!
Rated 4 out of 5

Rick Gonzalez – October 30, 2022

The Château d’Yquem Sauternes is a treat, with its honey and apricot notes. Truly a delightful wine chateau d yquem.
Rated 4 out of 5

Garry Washington – October 30, 2022

Chateau d Yquem Sauternes is like a tropical vacation in a bottle. The coconut and marzipan flavors are a joy. Yquem, you’re extraordinary!
Rated 3 out of 5

Heather Dong – November 25, 2022

The yquem wine is a feast of flavors. The butterscotch and chocolate notes are rich and indulgent. Chateau d Yquem, you’re remarkable!
Rated 3 out of 5

Tina Blevins – December 14, 2022

Chateau d Yquem wine is a journey of flavors. The stone and minerals notes are earthy and comforting. Chateau Yquem, you’re the best!
Rated 4 out of 5

Brenda Kyer – February 8, 2023

Wine Chateau d Yquem is like biting into a juicy pear. The citrus and honeysuckle flavors are a delight. Yd Yquem, superb!
Rated 5 out of 5

Alice Vasquez – March 18, 2023

Chateau Yquem wine is a tropical paradise. The dried apricot and cream notes are simply heavenly. Sauternes Château d’Yquem, I’m in love!
Rated 3 out of 5

Ernesto Flynn – April 20, 2023

Sauternes d Yquem is a treasure. The mango and oak flavors are exquisite. Chateau d Yquem Price, you’re value for money!
Rated 5 out of 5

James Mullan – June 26, 2023

Chateau Yquem Price is a steal for such an amazing experience. The apple and lemon flavors are a dream. Chateau d Yquem, thank you!
Rated 5 out of 5

Judy Stackhouse – July 17, 2023

The Château d’Yquem Sauternes is indeed a treat! With a lovely honey and apricot note, it’s the perfect wine for a special occasion. The chateau yquem wine is worth every penny!
Rated 5 out of 5

Kimberly Stanton – September 27, 2023

The chateau yquem wine is a dance of flavors. The butter and ginger notes are a pleasant surprise. Chateau d Yquem, hats off!
Rated 3 out of 5

Kristyn Sanford – October 17, 2023

Just had a glass of the chateau d yquem wine and I’m in love. The blend of peach and pineapple with a hint of vanilla is exquisite. It’s my new favorite yquem wine!
Rated 4 out of 5

Beverley Heaps – October 30, 2023

The yquem is a carnival of flavors. The tangerine and toast notes are a perfect match. Chateau d Yquem, you’re a marvel!
Rated 3 out of 5

Carol Levy – November 22, 2023

The d yquem wine is a sensory delight. The cheese and toffee undertones are unique and exciting. Chateau d Yquem, you’re a gem!
Rated 5 out of 5

Vikki Stephens – January 11, 2024

The Chateau d Yquem half bottle is perfect for a cozy evening. The almond and raisin flavors are a perfect blend. Y Yquem, keep it coming!
Rated 5 out of 5

Patricia Delisle – January 13, 2024

The Château Yquem is a divine blend of tropical and dried apricot flavors. It’s rare I find a chateau d yquem half bottle that delivers such a unique taste. Can’t wait for my next glass!

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Critical Acclaim

WS 96

Wine Spectator

A beauty from start to finish, with fresh, racy notes of honeysuckle, quinine and mirabelle plum leading off, followed by richer quince, creamed pear and white nectarine flavors. Everything melds through the finish, picking up macadamia nut and brioche accents to complete the seduction. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Best from 2025 through 2045.

WA 95

Wine Advocate

The 2018 d'Yquem is a great success despite a challenging harvest, exuding aromas of peach, pear, menthol and orchard fruits, complemented by an elegant, floral-driven bouquet. It’s remarkably balanced and fresh on the palate, with a medium to full-bodied structure, a delicate core of fruit in the finish and a penetrating energy revealing a lovely and already enjoyable wine. It's a great effort in a challenging vintage in Sauternes. This blend of 85% Sémillon and 15% Sauvignon Blanc contains 145 grams of residual sugar.

DEC 97

Decanter

Average temperatures 2.7°C over average, combined with 20% of the normal rainfall from mid August to the end of July made makes this a naturally rich, low-yielding vintage (40% less than average, not helped by a hail storm in July), with a gloriously gourmet 145g/ha residual sugar, and a pH level of 3.95. As ever with Yquem, patience was the key, taking in the grapes slowly but surely over 17 days harvest that extended well into October. The results in the glass are intense and glossy, full of satin-textured apricot and white peach flavours. There are exotic fruits of pineapple and mango but winemaker Sandrine Garbay has kept a focus on fresher flavours of lime zest and citrus that balance out the natural richness and concentration. Pretty closed right now, but there is power and balance here, an excellent Yquem.

JS 97

James Suckling

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.

VIN 93

Vinous

The 2018 Yquem was tasted just a few months earlier before this second reading at the château. My notes are pretty consistent with that dried honey and saffron scented aromas, perhaps just missing the energy conveyed by the previous vintage. The palate is well balanced with that telltale lusciousness that I remarked upon in my last note, although this just precludes the 2018 from delivering the tension and nerve of the best vintages. Apricot and lemon curd linger on the aftertaste. Very fine.