The 1998 Chateau Yquem was released several months ago. This estate does not allow tasting from cask (where the wine spends 42 months), and it is not released until five years after the vintage. The 1998 Yquem (95 points) is a great success. Made in an elegant style, it is not a blockbuster such as 1990, 1989, and 1988. It is well-delineated, with wonderfully sweet aromas of creme brulee, pineapples, apricots, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it is not as sweet as the biggest/richest Yquem vintages, but it is gorgeously pure, precise, and strikingly complex. Already approachable, it should evolve for 30-50 years ... without a doubt. RP
Cooked apple, with hints of honey, lemon and butter. Turns to dried apricots. Full and round, very sweet, with a candied character. Good enough, but a little cloying on the palate. I have had this many times: not what it should be. Lots of bottle variation. Drink now. — JS (03/2008)
Pale gold. Knockout aromas of creme brulee, coconut, vanilla bean, honey and orange peel. Lush and seductively silky in the mouth; its creamy, seamless texture makes it seem deceptively accessible today but sound acid structure should keep it going for 2 years or more. Not hugely sweet or tropical but very complex and fine. Firm, hazelnutty finish offers great length, if not quite the grip of the '89.- Stephen Tanzer (7/1998)
Producer: Yquem
Vintage: 1998
Varietal: Sauternes
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Sauternes
Appellation:
Sub-Appellation:
SKU: #
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