1968 Y D'YQUEM 1968

INFORMATION FROM THE CHATEAU: Yquem is the incontestable king of sweet dessert wine. But the followers of Chateau d’Yquem know that the chateau produces in some years, when the conditions allow, « Y », a dry white Sauternes. « Y » is made from the same exceptional « terroirs » and the same vines as its elder wine. It benefits from the same quality farming methods but differs, of course, in the harvest conditions and the vinification. For a long time the wine was made from sorted grapes that resisted Botrytis attacks. « Y » has evolved since the 1996 vintage with the goal of advancing in aromatic purity while remaining loyal to its particular characteristics that make it an almost atypical wine. It is a deliberate choice to lighten certain parcels of Sauvignon at the beginning of the harvest by taking out some perfectly ripe grapes. This particular thinning allows the optimization of the state of the remaining harvest left on the vines in order to encourage the following noble rot. Next, the harvest is completed by Semillion grapes having attained the ultimate state of maturity, just before the Botrytis sets in. In effect, it is at this stage that the tannins of this grape variety are sufficiently attained which allow the aromatic potential of the “grand terroirs” to express themselves. The final blending is done after tastings of an average ofSauvignon and 13 Semillon. This explains why the wine is always produced in low quantity and why the production is not regular: there have been only 25 vintages of « Y » since 1959. All throughout the vinification, « Y » is treated with the utmost care: light pressing, fermentation and aging on the lees in oak barrels of which only 13 is new wood. Over the next 12 months in barrels the lees are regularly stirred. « Y » is a strong wine that reaches in general 13.5 to 14 percent alcohol and that reflects all of the potential of the grapes of the Yquem estate before they are profoundly transformed by noble rot. Having a remarkable balance, the richness and the aromas of this wine recall its filtration that gives it a unique character. Subtly complementary to its elder Yquem, « Y » is appreciated all throughout a meal. It accompanies shellfish, fish but also dry cheese. The « Y » vintages : 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006.