Château d'Yquem 2016 (37.5cl)

Some wines are worth waiting for.

I've been lucky enough to visit Château d'Yquem, although I resisted the temptation to book the tour. I don't think my family would have been particularly impressed if I'd ticked Château d'Yquem off the list without them...!

In the meantime, I've had the privilege of learning about the wines from Toni El Khawand, Château d'Yquem's Cellar Master, who guided Oxford University's Bacchus Wine Society through a phenomenal tasting of Y 2017 alongside the 2021, 2016, 2005 and 1984 vintages of d'Yquem. The estate also generously supplied the magnificent 2007 for Bacchus' 25th Anniversary Dinner in 2025.

The 2016 is everything I hope great Sauternes can be: layers of apricot, honey, candied citrus and saffron, lifted by remarkable freshness and precision. Rich without ever feeling heavy, it's a wine that somehow becomes more elegant with every sip.

One day I'll finally make it back to d'Yquem. Until then, every bottle reminds me there's always something wonderful still to look forward to.

🎓 Masterclass attended