D'Yquem 1997 (750ML)

97 WI / 96 WA / 96 WS / 96 WCI / 95 WA / 18 JR

A sensational Yquem, 1997 may be this estates finest effort since 1990 (although I would not discount the 1996 turning out to be nearly as good). The 1997s light gold color is accompanied a gorgeous perfume of caramel, honeysuckle, peach, apricot, and smoky wood. Full-bodied and unctuously-textured, with good underlying acidity as well as loads of sweetness and glycerin, it looks to be a great vintage for this renowned Sauternes estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2055.-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

A pure style, with intense acacia, white peach, apricot, nectarine and tangerine notes that are long and racy, set against a gorgeous singed almond backdrop. Pulls together orchard and tropical fruit flavors on the long, refined finish.Non-blind Yquem vertical (July 2014). Drink now through 2035. 14,000 cases made.-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

This is one of the better buys for Chateau d'Yquem these days. What a beautiful expression of sweet wine. The nose pops with sweet, ripe and overripe pineapple, apricots, spice, coconut, creme de caramel, candied orange rind and butterscotch. Rich, sweet, lusciously textured waves of honey-coated tropical fruits on the mid-palate, that come along with the right shot of acidity make this an effortless sweet treat to drink. This is fabulous today and it is only going to get better from here for the next 2-3 or 4 decades!-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider, tasted 3/21