Chateau d’Yquem ‘Y’ Ygrec 2004

Description

Y used to be made from the last bunches of grapes left on the vines at the end of the harvest. Botrytis cinerea affected these grapes differently, but they never had more than 15% potential alcohol, so the wine they made was very unusual. Because of this, it has only been made in small amounts and rarely since 1959. Since 1996, Y has changed, but it has kept its own character. It did this to show that it was more in with the times by being fresh and crisp, two qualities important for a great white wine today. Therefore, it was decided in 2004 to do Y every year. So, Ygrec now chooses to pick some Sauvignon Blanc plots at the beginning of the harvest, making sure to pick perfectly ripe bunches.

These are finished off with Sémillon grapes that are picked right when they are at their ripest, botrytis is just starting to show up, and the skins have turned pinkish. This is when this type of grape phenolic is soft enough to let the aromas of the best clay soil plots come through.