Chateau d’Yquem holds just under 300 acres of vineyard land on gravelly, well-drained soil, but only uses about 250 to make wine in any given year. The remainder is due to a program of continual replanting which ensures that producing vines are always in their prime. And the vineyard is planted only to Semillion (75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25%), eschewing Muscadelle which is commonly used in the area but makes less distinguished wine.

Within an hour of harvest, the grapes of Chateau d’Yquem are in the winery and being pressed. Unlike most white wines, quality actually improves with multiple pressings as that extracts more sugar and flavor intensity. Chateau d’Yquem three or four times, with the initial effort yielding about 75% of the total volume.

Chateau d’Yquem does all its fermentation in new French oak barrels. This is unsual for Sauternes, but results in the most flavorful and pristine wine. Although there is variation from one vintage to the next, the typical Chateau d’Yquem wine finishes fermentation at 13.5% alcohol with 150 grams/liter of sugar.

All the barrels age for six to eight months after fermentation. At that point, under-performing barrels are set aside. The remaining barrels go to the aging cellar for 20 months, where they are topped up twice weekly to maintain freshness. For pure flavors and clarity, the wines are also racked 15 times and then fined before the final, blind tasting which determines the blend that will go into bottle.

Although not always very outgoing when young, Chateau d’Yquem is marked by fruit (apricot, mandarin, and occasionally tropical fruit) and oak (vanilla and toasty aromas). Older vintages, on the other hand, have an extraordinarily complex fragrance as soon as the bottle is opened, with hints of dried fruit (dried apricot, prune, stewed fruit, and marmalade), spice (cinnamon, saffron, and liquorice), and even flowers (lime blossom, etc.). The first impression of Chateau d'Yquem on the palate is always very silky, and often sumptuous. It then fills out, "coating the palate". This fine wine has a strong, but never overbearing character, with great elegance and poise. It always maintains a balance between sugar and acidity (sweetness and freshness). A touch of bitterness can also contribute to the overall harmony.

The 1988 Chateau d'Yquem, a Sauternes blend from Bordeaux, France, stands out as an exemplary vintage cherished by wine enthusiasts. With a substantial alcohol content of 13.5%, this wine is known for its rich and complex profile.

Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 94, noting its "creamed apricot, mango, date, honey, caramel and marzipan notes" framed by "toasted brioche and musk accents." The review highlights a "flattering finish" with "orange curd and flan details," though mentions it is "a touch shy on tension" but still shows "lovely range."

Jancis Robinson, on the other hand, gives it a near-perfect score of 98, describing it as "Dark tawny" with an "intriguing nose." The wine is praised for being "extremely long" with a "hint of ginger and real zest," and is characterized as "racy and flirtatious."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rates this vintage highly with a score of 96. The review appreciates the wine's "burnished amber hue" and bouquet of "marmalade, mandarin, burnt honey and citrus fruit." The palate is described as medium-bodied with "impressive weight," balanced with "notes of apricot, white chocolate and orange peel."

Vinous, too, scores it a 96, echoing admiration for its "deep amber" hue and "wonderful aromas of mandarin, orange blossom, wax resin" with hints of "crème brûlée." The review praises its "splendid delineation and life-affirming vitality" and describes it as "the best bottle of 1988 Yquem" encountered.

Overall, the 1988 Chateau d'Yquem is celebrated for its rich and intricate flavors, with a balance of sweetness and acidity that promises longevity, making it a standout choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.