Don't ever doubt that wine is better from magnum. I've also experienced magnums where the wine tasted markedly different poured from separate decanters. Magnums are fascinating for a number of reasons, but what better way to experience a superb vintage of Yquem than magnum.
1989 Chateau d'Yquem
100 DE / 98 VM / 97 RP / 97 WS / 19 JR
$1199.00/bottle (In Stock) Buy Now
This took home the audience award at the 67 Pall Mall tasting that I was hosting, with good reason. What a brilliant example of why Sauternes should be left to gather nuance and to shed its more exuberant, fattier early years before opening. This is just a masterclass in the layers and complexity that you find in fully mature Yquem; saffron, truffle, pineapple, quince, lime, apricots and lemon. Hugely persistent with a squeeze of scraping slate acidity through the final few minutes that gives a dry but mouthwatering finish. It is clearly in its tertiary phase in terms of the type of aromatics, and the beautiful amber, rose-gold colour, but there is no sense that it is beginning to run out of steam. A concentrated, gloriously balanced Yquem that has decades ahead of it, and fully justifies the reputation of the vintage. Count Alexandre Lur Saluces was heading up the estate at the time. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040 Jane Anson - Dacanter 01/21
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1976 Chateau d'Yquem
96 RP / 96 WA / 96 WS / 18.5 JR
$2258.99 /1.5L (In Stock) Buy Now
The 1976 Yquem continues to go from strength to strength. Who can ignore the awesome bouquet of spices, honeyed fruit, pineapples, bananas, coconuts, and overripe melons? This full-bodied, viscous, luscious wine has been absolutely delicious since bottling, given its relatively low acidity and precocious personality. It is one of the few true great vintages of Yquem that can actually be drunk with tremendous pleasure at such a young age. Eighty percent of the harvest made it into the final wine. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025. Last tasted, 12/90. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
2007 Chateau d'Yquem
98 WA / 96 WS / 19 JR / 95-98 VM
$2500.00 / 3L (In Stock) Buy Now
Tasted single blind against its peers. Under blind conditions, the Yquem 2007 shines like a diamond. Nevertheless, it is initially rather taciturn on the nose, eventually opening up beautifully with touches of lemon curd, Mirabelle, and clear honey. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine definition and there seems to be a great deal of energy and vigor dispensed for your pleasure. There is such race and nervosity, and then that finish just purrs with harmony and focus. This Yquem feels just so alive and vivacious, yet there is an effortless quality here that is unmatched by its peers. Tasted January 2011. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
