1989 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Blend

Sauternes Blend - 750ML
Reg: $595.00
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REVIEWS

WA 99 VN 99 JL 98 DC 97 WS 97 JR 96 TWI 96
WA 99

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2023

One of the high points of this vertical tasting, the 1989 d'Yquem is a magical wine offering up a complex, refined bouquet with aromas of quince, apricot, pineapple, menthol, flowers and white truffles, followed by a...
VN 99

Vinous, April 2022

The 1989 Yquem is my favourite of the triumvirate and this bottle was stellar. It explodes from the glass with scents of quince, acacia, honeysuckle, saffron and wild heather (a trait that I have observed previously)...
JL 98

TheWineCellarInsider.com, November 2020

It is impossible to get tired of tasting d'Yquem. And why should they? With that special razor's edge of acidity that cuts through all the sweet, overripe, pineapple, apricot, mango, nut, and other assorted tropical...
DC 97

Decanter, February 2022

A remarkable, profound example of how top Sauternes wines age, with intense notes of marmalade on the nose. Although it seemed there were some hints of passerillage, Sandrine Garbay confirmed no dried grapes made it into...
WS 97

Wine Spectator, May 1999

Very classy and beautiful packed with botrityzed flavors. Marvelous blend of vanilla cream tobacco-box notes with a lot of oak on it for now but also loads of pure clean and elegant fruit. An infant that will age for a...
JR 96

Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages, May 2014

Very rich and hedonistic. Full throttle and with so much sweetness plus an almond overlay. Very long and tingly. Just gorgeous. Long. Pungent and powerful. Stunning. 19/20
TWI 96

The Wine Independent, September 2023

1989 was a very dry, very hot vintage - similar to 1929 or 1947, according to Yquem president, Pierre Lurton. It is also the year that the vines were hit by a violent hailstorm in July, which damaged the western half of...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Dessert
Varietal Sauternes Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Sauternes
Vintage 1989
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 12.5%

Sauternes is the best and most sought-after region for dessert wine in Bordeaux, perhaps in all of France. Chateau d’Yquem is the most celebrated of all Sauternes producers.

The history of d’Yquem can be traced back to 1593, when local nobleman Jacques Sauvage became the feudal overseer of the property. The area was already home to late-harvest wines even then, and the Sauvage family moved things forward, creating “modern” vineyards—and the famous chateau—on the unique hill that contributes to d’Yquem’s outstanding quality. In 1711, the Sauvage family became full owners of the property and managed to retain it through the French Revolution.

The quality and reputation of Chateau d’Yquem wine improved as the vineyard was methodically expanded and enhanced. By the late 18th century, it was celebrated internationally and counted Thomas Jefferson among its staunch supporters. But the house continued to innovate and better its practices. The constructed a large, purpose-built cellar for maturation and aging in 1826 and, not long after, began harvesting in multiple passes to optimize fruit quality. This work was rewarded when Chateau d’Yquem was designated the only 1er Cru Superieur dessert wine in the famous 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines.

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.

Introducing the 1989 Chateau d'Yquem, a remarkable Sauternes Blend from the prestigious Bordeaux region of France. This white wine exudes elegance and complexity, showcasing the true artistry of winemaking. With a medium to deep gold color, it captivates the eye and sets the stage for a truly exceptional tasting experience.

On the nose, the 1989 d'Yquem initially appears closed, but as it unfurls, it reveals a symphony of aromas. Dried mango, pineapple paste, and candied peel take center stage, accompanied by hints of praline, nutmeg, lemon butter, and crème caramel. A subtle waft of crushed stones adds an intriguing mineral touch.

As you take your first sip, the power and concentration of this vintage become apparent. The palate is graced with wonderfully concentrated notes of dried stone fruits, complemented by provocative nutty nuances. The seamless acid backbone provides a perfect balance, while the satiny texture enhances the overall experience. The finish lingers, leaving impressions of lemon tea and minerals, inviting you to savor every moment.

In 1989, a very hot Bordeaux vintage, the vines at Chateau d'Yquem encountered a violent hailstorm in July, resulting in a 20% crop loss. However, the resilience of the vines prevailed, and they produced a stunningly concentrated crop. This vintage boasts an alcohol content of 13.2% and a residual sugar of 126.5 grams per liter, perfectly balanced by a total acidity of 3.9 grams per liter H2SO4.

Renowned wine critics have showered praise upon the 1989 Chateau d'Yquem. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a remarkable score of 97 points, highlighting its concentrated flavors and seamless texture. Wine Spectator also praised its class and elegance, predicting a long aging potential. Jancis Robinson described it as rich, hedonistic, and stunning, while Decanter deemed it a remarkable example of aging Sauternes. Jeff Leve declared it impossible to tire of tasting d'Yquem, and Vinous awarded it a stellar score of 99 points, noting its incredible depth and precision.

The 1989 Chateau d'Yquem is a wine that transcends time, destined to be savored and admired for years to come. Whether you enjoy it now or cellar it for future indulgence, this vintage is a testament to the artistry and mastery of Chateau d'Yquem.