1989 Chateau d'Yquem 375ml

Expert tasting note: "The color is a burnished gold with slight hints of tawny. The aromas are a little restrained with ripe fig notes, wax, vanilla & touches of candied peel with raisin. The palate is very sweet, rich, smooth-textured, rounded & full. Dried apricot fruit has touches of marzipan/vanilla. The acidity is balanced & the alcohol adds a touch of warmth. Acidity cuts in at the finish which is rounded with ripe apricot fruit. The finish is long & ends with a touch of nutmeg." - 03/22 DCAMW

Classification: 1er Grand Cru Classé Supérieur

Producer Notes

Raised to the ranks of Premier Cru Supérieur appellation in 1855, Château d'Yquem is the product of meticulous work in the vineyard. Since its beginnings, it has benefited from an exceptional terroir, as well as being the result of a unique ancestral know-how since 1593.

Drinking Window: 1996-2050

It is a large-scaled, massively rich, unctuously-textured wine that should evolve effortlessly for a half century or more. It does not reveal the compelling finesse and complexity of the 1988 or 1986, but it is a far heavier, richer wine than either of those vintages. It is reminiscent of the 1976, with additional fat and glycerin. The wine is extremely alcoholic and rich, with a huge nose of smoky, honey-covered coconuts and overripe pineapples and apricots. As with most young vintages of Yquem, the wine's structure is barely noticeable. These wines are so highly extracted and rich yet approachable young, it is difficult to believe they will last for 50 or more years. 97 points, drink 1995-2045, www.erobertparker.com

"Deep rich tawny – waxy nose. Very very big and rewarding with good life. A kick in the heels. Very long and splendid – really enormous in every way – much bigger and rounder and deeper than the 1990. Very long. A monument. 19 Points/Drink 2005-2030." - Jancis Robinson