château d'yquem

 

It is the product of what is fondly referred to as "the noble rot". Its real name is Botrytis cinerea, a mold which causes the vine disease called grey rot. When the conditions are perfect, this culprit creates one of the finest and most expensive of the French Sauternes. The mold does not rot the fruit, but rather, allows most of the water to dissipate from the grape, leaving behind a highly concentrated sugary juice. It takes over one vine of grapes to produce just one glass of this noble nectar and is barrel aged for three years, resulting in a complex and luscious dessert wine. The genealogy of the estate is as rich as the wine it produces. The domain's history can be traced back as far as the year 990. Since then, generation after generation, has protected its heritage and its culture. The château itself is not open to the public, however, private visits may be arranged for wine enthusiasts and professionals. The wine is not sold at the estate. If in the market for a bottle of this elixir of the gods, expect to pay about 2,000 french francs or approximately 400 us dollars for a good year. according to Count Alexander de Lur Saluces, managing director of the estate, look for the newly released 93 and 94 vintages, which are soon to compete with the finest of the estate's vintages. to be a true connoisseur, be sure to wait the obligatory twenty years, before popping the cork.