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Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, 1988 (375ml)

Dessert Wine from Bordeaux, France
by Chateau d'Yquem
$349.00
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There are sweet wines, and then there is Yquem. 1988 was the first of a legendary trio of Sauternes vintages, and it is the classicist of the three: less opulent than what followed, more about cut, structure and length. Botrytis-shriveled Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are picked grape by grape across repeated passes through the vineyard, then aged for years in barrel, making this the most labor-intensive wine in Bordeaux. Nearly four decades on, it has moved into its savory register: dried apricot, orange marmalade, saffron, toasted nuts and beeswax, all carried by an acid spine that keeps the sweetness from ever turning heavy. The half-bottle format means you don't need a crowd or an occasion, though it will create one. Serve it cold, pour small, and give it time in the glass.

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Antonio Galloni

96 points

"The 1988 Yquem is similar to the bottle I tasted two years earlier, one of my favorite vintages from that decade. Orange pith, quince, wax resin, and mandarin blossom on the nose, yet there is more control and focus than in other warmer vintages. The palate is underpinned by a wonderful frisson of acidity that cuts a swathe through the viscous fruit with Clementine and touches of crème brûlée on the finish. It’s firing on all cylinders, and I envisage it remaining there for some time." —Neal Martin

Wine Spectator

94 points

"Big and showy, rich and ripe, featuring sweet mango, pineapple and lime character. Full in body, with a long finish that reins in honey, dried apricot and toasted vanilla flavors. Drink or hold until at least 1998."

More about Chateau d'Yquem

The world's greatest sweet wine. Only château to hold Premier Cru Supérieur status, d'Yquem averages six passes through the vineyard each vintage for botrytized grapes. Yields near 2.5 acres, infinitesimal production. Thomas Jefferson knew. You should too.

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Sauvignon Blanc , Semillon

  • Vintage

    1988

  • Size

    375ml

  • Farming Practice

    Sustainable

  • Style

    Earthy , Juicy , Rich

  • Sweetness

    Sweet

  • Body

    Medium Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

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Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Roquefort and other blue cheeses, foie gras, almond or apricot tart, or simply on its own as dessert in a glass.

Tasting Profile

Sweet, full-bodied and mature; dried apricot, orange marmalade, saffron, toasted nuts and beeswax, with bright acidity and a very long finish.

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