Château d'Yquem 2001 Imperial

Château d'Yquem is one of the world’s most iconic sweet wines, and the 2001 Imperial format makes it even more impressive for collectors and special occasions. Made from botrytised Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grown on the highest hill in Sauternes, it carries the prestige of being the only wine in Bordeaux’s 1855 classification awarded Premier Cru Supérieur status.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Château d’Yquem 2001 typically shows a deep golden to amber hue, hinting at its richness and maturity. The nose is extraordinarily layered, with aromas of apricot, candied citrus, saffron, honey, toasted almond, and subtle exotic spice, all lifted by the freshness that keeps the wine from feeling heavy. On the palate, it is voluptuous yet remarkably precise, balancing intense sweetness with vibrant acidity. Expect concentrated notes of stone fruit, orange marmalade, crème brûlée, and beeswax, followed by a long, polished finish. The 2001 vintage has the structure and balance to age for decades more, developing even greater complexity over time.

Production
Château d’Yquem comes from the limestone and gravelly slopes of Sauternes, where morning mist and afternoon sun create ideal conditions for noble rot, or botrytis cinerea. The fruit is harvested by hand in multiple selective passes, with only perfectly botrytised grapes chosen at peak ripeness. Vinification is carried out with exceptional care, and the final blend is composed primarily of Sémillon with a smaller proportion of Sauvignon Blanc, producing extraordinary concentration and finesse.

Food & Serving
Serve slightly chilled, ideally around 10–12°C, to preserve both freshness and aromatics. This wine pairs beautifully with foie gras, blue cheese, fruit-based desserts, crème brûlée, or even roasted poultry with a touch of sweetness, and it can also be enjoyed on its own as a meditative after-dinner wine. Decanting is generally unnecessary for a younger bottle, but an older vintage may benefit from gentle aeration.

Producer
Château d’Yquem has been celebrated for more than 400 years and remains the benchmark for sweet wine in Sauternes and beyond. Its reputation was cemented in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, when it was singled out as the region’s only Premier Cru Supérieur. Despite setbacks such as phylloxera, the estate has maintained its legendary status through meticulous viticulture and uncompromising standards, earning a place among the most revered producers in the world.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.