D'Yquem 1976 (1.5L)

96 RP / 96 WA / 96 WS / 18.5 JR

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

Tasted blind in Bordeaux, the 1976 Chateau d'Yquem reaffirms its reputation as one of the great wines of the decade, although I would suggest that that 1971 and 1975 are the true pinnacles. However, in no way do I wish to slight this Sauternes. Deep and slightly burnished in color, it offers dried pineapple, barley sugar, almond and a cheeky puff of café latte. There is wonderful definition here. The palate is underpinned by nigh on perfect acidity with orange rind, mango, crème brûlée and minerals. As it fans out towards the finish, there is a tang of Seville orange marmalade, and though it does not quite possess the persistence of the 1975 Yquem, you will be craving for the next sip. At its peak now, enjoy this great Yquem over the next 20-30 years. Tasted April 2016. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

This is silky and beautifully creamy in the mouth. Medium-bodied, there's nothing heavy or big here, just a sense of harmony. So ethereal, it's the sort of wine one could drink almost every night.--Yquem vertical. Drink now through 2030. Wine Spectator

Dark copper. Hint of molasses on the nose – very luscious - though there is very nice balancing acidity and creamy, slightly burnt texture. Just starting to take on a rather drier aspect than in its youth but still giving lots of pleasure. - Jancis Robinson