2016 d’Yquem from Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux

The breathtaking 2016 d’Yquem from Chateau d’Yquem is a paragon of opulence and precision, continuing to uphold the legendary status of its lineage. My discerning palate has savoured the evolution of this noble estate across decades, yet there is something particularly compelling about the 2016 manifestation. The year itself was characterised by a balancing act of nature, with a timely onset of the botrytis cinerea, fostering an exquisite concentration of flavours in each precious grape.

Elegance and Complexity: The Investor's Rare Find

In the complex kaleidoscope of Sauternes' vintages, the 2016 d’Yquem shines with a resplendent lustre. It offers an investment-worthy tapestry steeped in the rich terroir of Bordeaux – a vintage that astutely reflects both pedigree and place. For avid collectors and fervent enthusiasts alike, securing allocations of this vintage can indeed be seen as a prudent addition to a diverse investment portfolio.

A Vintage Defined by Mother Nature’s Meticulous Touch

Marked by an evenly paced growing season and an ideal measure of autumnal mists, Chateau d'Yquem's vineyards were gifted with near-ideal conditions in 2016. The resulting wine is an articulation of nature's expertise, a nectar brimming with aromatic complexity. The bouquet is a tryst between apricot jam and acacia honey, underlain by attentively preserved notes of white peach – an undeniable testament to the scrupulous viticulture and unhurried winemaking. On the palate, layers unfurl with grace – tropical fruits enlaced with hints of citrus zest and nuances of spice pirouette on taste receptors. The balance is impeccable: acidity pirouettes with opulent sweetness in a harmonious pas de deux that lingers through a seemingly inexhaustible finish. True to Sauternes form yet distinct in its execution, the wine’s structure and longevity suggest it will only burgeon in charm and depth with time.

In summation, the 2016 d’Yquem from Chateau d’Yquem epitomises both the timeless tradition and exquisite advancement of Sauternes winemaking. It embodies a joyful celebration for both the palate and one's cellar – a painterly swirl of indulgence and potential gain wrapped profoundly within each golden pour. Whether approached as an object of sensory delight or considered through the lens of judicious wine investment, it stands as one of Bordeaux’s proudest expressions from an exceptional year.