2017 Chateau d'Yquem

The early part of winter was cold and very dry. Warmer temperatures and rain returned in February and the weather in March led to a quick start to vegetative growth. The most significant event of spring 2017 occurred in late April when frost struck to a degree that had not been seen since 1991. Miraculously, temperatures did not go below the freezing point at Château d'Yquem so the vines were spared an impact.
To add insult to injury, the summer of 2017 was the 4th hottest since 1897 which meant the growing season was a good month ahead of average, an advance that reached a peak on about the 20th of June. This meant records were broken again when picking began earlier than ever before, on the 16th of August, and both grape varieties managed to uniformly ripen in late August and in perfect condition.

In summary, 2017 was a brilliant year with total botrytis and tremendous concentration that called for very specific sorting techniques to stay within the parameters defined by Chateau Yquem.

2017 is a very great success, worthy of the finest vintages ending in "7".

Other Reviews....
There was no frost at d’Yquem in 2017, and botrytis was very regular and even this vintage. The nose opens with very pure notes of freshly sliced oranges, yuzu and lemon barley water with hints of white pepper, fresh ginger and lime cordial. The incredibly rich, unctuous sweetness (148 grams per liter of residual sugar) is beautifully marbled with bright, vivacious citrus fruit and spice flavors, while lifted by well-knit freshness, and it finishes with epic length and great depth.
97-99 Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate

The 2017 Yquem, which was not affected by frost, was picked in two tries from 26 to 29 September and 5 to 10 October. There is 148gm/L residual sugar and a 3.8 pH, alcohol coming in at 13.9°. The early September rain prompted homogenous pourriture noble and this was followed by a warm period that meant that concentration came rapidly. They focused on the best parts of the property, discarding 30% of the parcels. It has a very harmonious bouquet with white peaches, orange sorbet, white flowers and a touch of crushed stone. It has an “airy” nose that gathers pace with aeration. The palate is very fresh in the mouth with slightly less weight and concentration than the 2015 tasted alongside. There are subtle spicy veins interwoven through the final third with hints of freshly shaved ginger that add another dimension towards the finish. This might not be up there with the top tier of Yquem’s over the last century, however, it is clearly a very well-crafted and complex Sauternes that will last many years.
95-97 Points
Neal martin - Vinous

The tannins and phenolic tension are very impressive to this. Dried-lemon undertones and burning botrytis. Full-to medium-bodied, linear and racy. Beautiful fruit and intensity. Such clarity. Extreme but wonderful style.
98-99 Points
Jamessuckling.com