Château d'Yquem Sauternes 1989

I had another lesson with my boss, the one who introduced me to Chateau Margaux, in 2002 when those Barclays bankers were sacked for expensing vintage Petrus and d'Yquem in London. I asked her what was so great about dessert wine that it would cost that much? And she proceeded to show me on our next trip -- where she ordered d'Yquem and foie gras for me. Unbelievable. For the layperson, it's like the perfection of peanut butter and jelly together.

October 2008

Rating: 97/100 - As reviewed by Bordeaux Book on 11/1/1998

Wine Advocate ReviewThe favorite sweet wine of millionaires, Chateau d'Yquem has, not unexpectedly, turned in a brilliant effort with their newly released 1989. It is a large-scaled, massively rich, unctuously-textured wine that should evolve effortlessly for a half century or more. It does not reveal the compelling finesse and complexity of the 1988 or 1986, but it is a far heavier, richer wine than either of those vintages. It is reminiscent of the 1976, with additional fat and glycerin. The wine is extremely alcoholic and rich, with a huge nose of smoky, honey-covered coconuts and read more...overripe pineapples and apricots. As with most young vintages of Yquem, the wine's structure is barely noticeable. These wines are so highly extracted and rich yet approachable young, it is difficult to believe they will last for 50 or more years. The 1989 is the richest Yquem made in the eighties, and it has an edge in complexity over the powerhouse 1983. It remains to be seen whether this wine will develop the extraordinary aromatic complexity possessed by the promising 1988 and 1986 Yquems. Drink 1995 - 2045.    (hide)

January 2009

Rating: 0/5 - As reviewed by Decanter Medium straw; muted nose, very oaky; very sweet, intense, creamy texture, ripe apricots, fine acidity, elegant as well as powerful, very concentrated, impeccable; very good length.

document.getElementById("NoProductImage").innerHTML = ""; Only 6 bottles or less available. Robert Parker 97 points!"The favorite sweet wine of millionaires- Chateau d'Yquem has- not unexpectedly- turned in a brilliant effort with their newly released 1989. It is a large-scaled- massively rich- unctuously-textured wine that should evolve effortlessly for a half century or more. It does not reveal the compelling finesse and complexity of the 1988 or 1986- but it is a far heavier- richer wine than either of those vintages. It is reminiscent of the 1976- read more...with additional fat and glycerin. The wine is extremely alcoholic and rich- with a huge nose of smoky- honey-covered coconuts and overripe pineapples and apricots. As with most young vintages of Yquem- the wine's structure is barely noticeable. These wines are so highly extracted and rich yet approachable young- it is difficult to believe they will last for 50 or more years. The 1989 is the richest Yquem made in the eighties- and it has an edge in complexity over the powerhouse 1983. It remains to be seen whether this wine will develop the extraordinary aromatic complexity possessed by the promising 1988 and 1986 Yquems. Last tasted 11/97"Robert Parker- Bordeaux Book- 3rd Edition (1998).Chateau d`YquemMore than four centuries of history are summed up in the words "Chaeau d'Yquem Lur-Saluces" found on ever bottle of Yquem... - Count Alexandre de Lur Saluces    (hide)

October 2008

Blend 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Average age of vines 30 years. 100% barrel fermented. Aged for 3 1/2 years (100% new oak) (Extraordinary)