The 2020 d’Yquem is a masterclass in elegance, purity and balance. Delicately perfumed with white peach, apricot, honeysuckle and hints of caramel, it glides effortlessly across the palate with vibrant acidity, exotic fruit richness and a touch of salted caramel. Less opulent than some vintages, but exceptionally refined, focused and beautifully drinkable even young.

Wine Enthusiast | WE 97
Published: Apr 1, 2024

The floral wine has great intensity, dominated at this stage by the concentrated botrytis. It is powerful, rich, balancing acidity and sweetness. This of course is a great wine that will age, but it is almost ready now. Drink from 2027 and for many years. — Roger Voss

James Suckling | JS 96
Published: Apr 14, 2023

Very transparent and elegant with white peaches, lilacs, and light caramel. Medium-bodied, sweet and agile with salted caramel and dried orange character. Spicy botrytis at the end. Give this three or four years to come together.

Decanter | D 96
Published: Mar 22, 2023
Drink: 2023-2070

A masterclass in purity and delicacy for this 2020 vintage which manages to convey the beauty and allure of Yquem in a toned down, subtle and beguiling way. Aromas of white blossom and honeysuckle, gently caramelised Mirabelle plums and fresh apricots with flecks of clementine and grapefruit pith abound on the nose - richly scented in their individual aspects but delivered quietly, almost sultry and shy. Immediately mouthfilling and unctuous, streamlined and fresh with a sugary hit hitting first before mouthwatering acidity follows giving sumptuous succulence and vibrancy. Apricot, peach, fleshy mango and sharp pineapple give the exotic fruit zing balanced by a salty, flintiness that adds faint angles to the expression. Juicy, bright, clean and complete with hints of cinnamon spice and just-toasted bread providing the frame and structure reminding you that this is built to last. It's not as opulent as some vintages, much more understated and relaxed - and coincidentally one of the lowest in residual sugar at 135g/l - but this is a wonderful expression with control and confidence on show. It also has supreme drinkability even now with tension, clarity and energy so don't be afraid to open and enjoy this in its joyful youth. The 2020 is the smallest production since 2000 with an equivalent of 35,000 bottles made. All stock will be released for sale on 23rd March with only a small number of bottles kept back for the estate's library collection. 3.79pH. The vintage was challenging in terms of viticulture with tropical spring-like weather delivering early budburst and high mildew pressure, especially given it was the estate's first year of official organic conversion. June was wet and cool followed by a hot, dry summer. Botrytis arrived in mid-October but there was only a small window of five days and two separate passes to harvest grapes with perfect noble rot.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Robert Parker
Published: Oct 31, 2023
Drink: 2023-2040

The 2020 d'Yquem presents a fresh bouquet with aromas of white fruits, orchard fruits and mango, complemented by a hint of spring flowers. It’s perfectly balanced and moderately weighted compared to other vintages, making it a tense, penetrating d’Yquem. Despite the challenges of the growing season and a brief harvest (which began on September 30th and concluded on October 12th), d'Yquem's team managed to produce a mere 40,000 bottles, a modest yield in recent years.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Jan 23, 2024
Drink: 2026-2035

Tasted blind. Marzipan and apricots, complex and spicy. Deep, intense orange flavours and plenty of freshness to balance the viscous richness. Long bitter-orange aftertaste. Very good, especially in this vintage and this line-up.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2020
Oak: New French oak
Varietals: 75% Sémillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc
Vinification: Selective hand-harvesting of botrytised grapes, with multiple passes through the vineyards according to ripeness and noble rot concentration
Ageing: Approximately 3.5 years in new French oak barrels
Residual Sugar: Approximately 135 g/L
Winemaker: Château d’Yquem
Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Classification: Premier Cru Supérieur, 1855

Serving Temperature: 10–12°C. Slightly cooler service highlights the wine's acidity and freshness while preserving its richness.
Decanting: Not essential. For a young bottle, opening 30–60 minutes before serving or giving it time in the glass can help reveal its floral, fruit and spice complexity.
Drinking Window: Now–2070+. The 2020 is already approachable but has the concentration, acidity and balance for several decades of development.
Food Pairing: Foie gras, pâté and terrines, Roquefort and other blue cheeses, lobster, scallops, roasted duck with orange, spicy Asian cuisine, tarte tatin, crème brûlée, apricot and peach desserts.