Lot 85
CHÂTEAU CLIMENS 2011 (1)
CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM 1989 (1) WA 97
Lot 85 Details
CHÂTEAU CLIMENS 2011 (1)
Sauternes-Barsac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn.
CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM 1989 (1)
Sauternes. Premier Cru Supérieur
u. vts. soiled & scuffed label. wrinkled capsule.
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, 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. December 1997 Drink: 1995-2045 WA 97