| Appellation |
Sauternes |
| Area under vine |
102 hectares |
| Production |
9,000 cases |
| Cepage |
80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon |
| Elevage |
42 months in 100% new barrels |
| 1855 Classification |
First Growth |
‘A persuasive case can be made that Yquem is Bordeaux's single greatest wine.' Robert Parker
‘There is something very special, and indeed very consistent about Yquem. It is by quite some way the richest, most concentrated, most intense wine of its kind.' Clive Coates MW
www.chateau-yquem.fr - superb website with good information on the 1997 vintage
1997 VINTAGE
Robert Parker (Rating 96)
A sensational Yquem, 1997 may be this estate's finest effort since 1990 The 1997's light gold colour 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 glycerine, it looks to be a great vintage for this renowned Sauternes estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2055.
Note: Yquem spends 42 months in 100% new oak. No cask tasting is permitted, and the wine is not released until 5 years after the vintage.
Clive Coates MW (Rating 100)
Still very youthful on the nose, but very concentrated and impressive. Full-bodied and rich, fat and complex: indeed quite powerful. Splendid vigour and grip. Marvellous classy fruit. Profound.
Provenance – a cold European cellar
