2021 Ygrec, Château d'Yquem, Bordeaux

The nose on the Ygrec is powerful and effervescent, bursting with tropical fruit and white flowers. Pink grapefruit, passion fruit, white peach and canker blossom leap out of the glass with impeccable definition. The grapes here are from the same plot of land as the flagship wine and picked late but made in a completely dry style, which explains the relative richness in comparison to other 2021 whites.

There is almost a viscosity in the glass, perhaps due to the rich concentration of flavour and 14.5% alcohol but a stunning rush of acidity balances out the palate, carrying the wine through to a lengthy finish. Given the overall quality of whites from the vintage, there is stiff competition but the myriad flavours in the glass and impressive balance gives Ygrec a strong case to be the best white Bordeaux made in 2021.

Henrietta Gullifer, Account Manger, Berry Bros. & Rudd

A riper and more textured version of the Y this year, with a higher proportion of semillon to previous vintages. The fruit is carefully selected from the same vineyard as the grapes chosen for the prestigious sweet wine. The 2021 displays ripe tropical fruits: underripe mango, luscious juicy white peach and sweet spices overtones of vanilla, with subtle ginger and cardamom spice coming from the undeveloped botrytis. Medium to full bodied with a long-lasting finish.

Chris Parker, Account Manger, Berry Bros. & Rudd