Château d'Yquem 2000

About Château d'Yquem 2000

The Château d'Yquem 2000 is the only Premier Cru Supérieur from the 1855 Sauternes classification. The 2000 vintage in Sauternes was marked by heavy rainfall in October, which destroyed a large part of the harvest. Château d'Yquem forewent about 80 percent of the usual quantity and bottled the Grand Vin only from the first two passes. This is precisely what makes this bottle a rarity. Collectors today value this Sauternes dessert wine primarily as a testament to consistent selection.

Origin & Classification

Château d'Yquem is located in the commune of Sauternes, south of Bordeaux. The current castle dates back to 1593, and the estate's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages. In the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, Château d'Yquem was the only estate to be granted the rank of Premier Cru Supérieur, a separate level above all other Premiers Crus of the appellation. The vineyard covers about 100 hectares, divided into approximately 150 plots. The blend consists predominantly of Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc. Crucial for the character is the Botrytis fungus, the noble rot, which is hand-selected in several passes. Anyone wishing to buy a Château d'Yquem thus acquires an estate with a classification unique within the appellation. This bottle of Château d'Yquem 2000 comes from this very vineyard.

The 2000 Vintage

The 2000 vintage is generally considered difficult in Sauternes. After a promising late summer, days of heavy rainfall set in during October. They destroyed a large part of the already botrytized grapes before the harvest could be completed. Numerous producers in the region had to drastically reduce their yields. Château d'Yquem forewent about 80 percent of the usual harvest quantity and bottled the Grand Vin exclusively from the first two passes. The Château d'Yquem 2000 thus exemplifies a winery that prioritizes strict selection over harvest quantity. 2000 was also the first vintage that Château d'Yquem regularly offered as a subscription before bottling – a turning point in the estate's recent history. For collectors, this Sauternes dessert wine is therefore both a rare harvest result and a vintage with its own story. Anyone wishing to buy this Château d'Yquem secures a particularly rare piece of this selection history.

FAQ

Why is the 2000 vintage considered difficult in Sauternes?

After a good summer, days of heavy rainfall set in during October 2000. They destroyed a significant portion of the already botrytized grapes throughout the Sauternes region, even before the harvest could be completed.

Why is Château d'Yquem 2000 nevertheless in demand?

In 2000, Château d'Yquem forewent about 80 percent of the usual harvest quantity and bottled the Grand Vin only from the first two, qualitatively best passes. This makes preserved bottles of this Premier Cru Supérieur a rarity among Sauternes dessert wines – valued for consistent selection and the unique status of the winery.

Is Château d'Yquem 2000 suitable as an investment?

Rarities like this bottle are also sought after by collectors with a view to their scarcity, aging potential, and the unique classification of Château d'Yquem. We do not provide investment advice or promises of returns; classification, vintage history, and condition serve to assess rarity, not as a financial forecast.