Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

Tasting Notes:  Honey, Baking Spice, Apricot, Cardamom

In the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, Château d'Yquem was the only Sauternes given the rating of "Superior First Growth". The estate (begun 1593) has been visited by liuminaries such as Thomas Jefferson. In 1996, the French luxury goods giant LVMH bought 55% of Château d'Yquem. Wine aficionados have agreed for centuries: Château d’Yquem is by far the best sweet wine in the world.

The d'Yquem wines are well balanced, quite complex, medium-full bodied, sweet but balanced immediately by vibrant medium-plus to high acidity. The palate hums with flavors of honey, apricot, some orange peel, baking spices, vanilla, cardamom, caramel, nutty, and peach. Serve with grilled peach and whipped ricotta or with roasted bananas and vanilla ice cream. A well-known and extremely luxurious combination is, of course, with foie gras.