1997 Yquem

d'Yquem

95Average Score

Bordeaux / France

White

A sensational Yquem, 1997 may be this estate's finest effort since 1990 (although I would not discount the 1996 turning out to be nearly as good). The 1997's 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. Apr 2003, www.robertparker.com

Robert Parker Score: 96/100

Hlvs	-	6 Immediate \| 0 Marketplace	£143.00
Bts	-	0 Immediate \| 10 Marketplace	£276.00
5L	-	0 Immediate \| 1 Marketplace	£1,882.00
6L	-	0 Immediate \| 1 Marketplace	£2,315.00
6x75cl	-	1 Immediate \| 2 Marketplace	£1,652.00

Scores + Notes

Average Score

Robert ParkerScore: 96/100

Extremely concentrated, yet subtle. Aromas of honey and spices, with an intense botrytis nose. Full-bodied, thick and fruity, with orange peel and lemon rind character. Medium sweetness. Balanced, yet thick and backward. Reminds me of the harmonious 1990--certainly the best since then. Best after 2008. 14,000 cases made. James Suckling, winespectator.com

Wine SpectatorScore: 95/100

Pungent, rich and very fine. Exciting. Great stuff. Long and rich. Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com

Jancis Robinson MWScore: 18/20

I must admit to being rather underwhelmed by this feted Yquem. A slightly deeper colour compared to the -96 and like that wine, the nose is reluctant to show its colours at first but after 20-30 minutes becoming very honeyed with touches of clementine, almond and acacia honey. The palate is full-bodied and unctuous in texture, perhaps just lacking a little definition? Dare I say a tad cloying on the finish. I prefer the tension displayed on the 1996 but this does settle down in the glass. Drink 2020-2040+. Tasted November 2006. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate March 2008

Neal MartinScore: 94/100

About The Producer

The producer

Ch. d'Yquem

The undisputed finest sweet wine in the world, Château d'Yquem is the only Premier Cru Supérieur estate in Sauternes, classified in 1855. With a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the château is entwined with that of the Lur-Saluces family – who remain involved today. LVMH is now the majority shareholder, with Pierre Lurton (who also looks after Cheval Blanc) in place as CEO of the estate.

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Product Details

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Sub-region

Sauternes

Colour

White

Taste

Sweet

Alcohol %

14%

Product Type

Still wine

Product Subtype

Drinking Window

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Sub-region

Sauternes

Colour

White

Taste

Sweet

Alcohol %

14%

Product Type

Still wine

Product Subtype

Drinking Window

Average Score

Robert ParkerScore: 96/100

Wine SpectatorScore: 95/100

Pungent, rich and very fine. Exciting. Great stuff. Long and rich. Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com

Jancis Robinson MWScore: 18/20

Neal MartinScore: 94/100