d'Yquem 1988 (375ml)

Type: Sweet Wine      Volume: 375ml

Winery: d'Yquem

Country: France     Region: Bordeaux

District: Sauternes

Grapes Varieties: 

Classification: Premier Cru Superieur - 1855 Classification     Production: 6500 Cases

Alcohol:      Packing: OC 12

Ratings and Tasting Notes:

WA=96 The 1988 Chateau d'Yquem has long been an insider's favorite over the 1989 and 1990, although at the end of the day, all three form a brilliant triumvirate at the end of the decade. Tasted from a half bottle, it shone with a slightly burnished amber hue. The bouquet is just as I have encountered with previous bottles with scents of marmalade, mandarin, burnt honey and citrus fruit, perhaps a little waxier and resinous than I recall. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive weight, viscous as you would expect, though not as flamboyant as the 1989 or as unctuous as the 1990. It is beautifully balanced with notes of apricot, white chocolate and orange peel towards the harmonious and tensile finish. You can see this cruising along for two or three decades and maybe it will turn more Barsac-like in style? Time will tell - a glorious Yquem however you look at it. Tasted May 2016. AG=96; WS=94 Broad and soft, with creamed apricot, mango, date, honey, caramel and marzipan notes, all framed by toasted brioche and musk accents. The flattering finish lets orange curd and flan details glide through. A touch shy on tension, but shows lovely range. -- Non-blind Yquem vertical (July 2014). Drink now through 2030.