Yquem's legacy spans over 400 years, richly documented in the archives of the Gironde department and the Chateau itself, revealing a tradition of specialized viticultural practices and late harvesting dating back to the 16th century. The late 19th century was a prosperous period for Yquem, with its wines graced the tables of Russian nobility and were savoured across the seas in Meiji-era Japan. Despite the economic crises and wars of the early to mid-20th century, Yquem continued to produce excellent wines during difficult times. In the late 20th century, Yquem entered a new era of prominence when it was acquired by luxury giant LVMH.

The environmental and production conditions required for Sauternes noble rot wines are very demanding, yet Yquem epitomizes the unique advantages of the Sauternes region. The topsoil here is warm and dry, with flat, sunlit pebbles and gravel accumulating heat, while the underlying clay subsoil retains good moisture.

Yquem cultivates 113 hectares of vines, thriving on a soil remarkably diverse and complex. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Semillon (75% planting), imparts a full, structured body to the wine. The remaining is Sauvignon Blanc (25%), which lends aromatic fragrance and finesse. Yquem is also blessed with the optimal climate in Sauternes, crucial for the magical process of botrytization. This phenomenon, known as noble rot, requires humid conditions to develop, but too much rain can dilute the grapes and encourage other harmful fungi, damaging the vines .Therefore, these inevitable risks often result in very low yields for Yquem, sometimes even necessitating the abandonment of entire vine.

The delicacy and fragility of the grapes mean that Yquem must deliver them to the cellar within an hour of harvest. Fermentation takes place in new oak barrels, each crafted from the finest oak from central French forests. Each barrel is meticulously monitored and regularly analyzed. The resulting wine is aged until the third winter after harvest before bottling.

The pleasure derived from Yquem wines is unparalleled. In their youth, they often exhibit aromas of apricot, tropical fruits, flowers, and toasted bread from the oak barrels. As the wine ages, the wine colour becomes darker, it releases extraordinarily complex aromas upon opening, including prunes, stewed fruits, marmalade, spices like cinnamon, liquorice, as well as honey and nuts. On the palate, the wine is intense yet gentle, exuding a luxurious elegance and depth. The opulent body, weight, and sweetness are beautifully balanced by pleasant acidity, with a long-lasting, delightful finish. In our experience, Yquem requires at least 30 years of aging to fully appreciate its extraordinary qualities. However, Yquem's charm evolves continually, its immense aging potential allowing it to tell a legendary story that refreshes through the ages.