Arguably the greatest sweet wine in the world, after centuries of family ownership, Château d'Yquem was sold in somewhat acrimonious circumstances to Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy in 1999. However, its former owner and director Alexandre de Lur-Saluce remains in charge. Located on the highest hill in Sauternes, d'Yquem enjoys some of the best growing conditions in the whole appellation. The 110-hectare vineyard is planted with 80% Sèmillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest is painstaking; 150 highly skilled pickers pass through the rows selecting grapes berry by berry to ensure that only the finest botrytized fruit is used.

This is almost certainly the finest sweet-wine vintage of the decade. Caramel, honeysuckle, peach, apricot and a hint of wood-smoke; bracing acidity balances unctuous sweetness. Sweet orange peel and lemon rind dominate the palate; best enjoyed after 2008, this will develop steadily for the next 80 years.

Blue cheese, foie gras and any kind of dessert.

A wine for special occasions, of great elegance and distinction.