Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 1988 750ml

$585.97/bottle

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Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 1988 750ml

Name: Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1988 750ml
Brand: Chateau d'Yquem
SKU: 874373
Price: 585.97 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 95.3 (3 reviews)

Case of 12

Sample image only. Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.

SKU 874373

$7,031.64/case

$585.97/bottle

Tariffs included

Availability: This is a Long-term Pre-arrival item and is available for online ordering only. This item will ship on a future date after a 4-8 months transfer time. For more about Pre-arrival orders, see FAQ.

Pre-arrival

Case Only

Minimum order 12 bottles

WA 96pts

VM 96pts

WS 94pts

See professional reviews

The 1988 Chateau d’Yquem has long been an insider’s favorite over the 1989 and 1990, although at the end of the day, all three form a brilliant triumvirate at the end of the decade. Tasted from a half bottle, it shone with a slightly burnished amber hue. The bouquet is just as I have encountered with previous bottles with scents of marmalade, mandarin, burnt honey and citrus fruit, perhaps a little waxier and resinous than I recall. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive weight, viscous as you would expect, though not as flamboyant as the 1989 or as unctuous as the 1990. It is beautifully balanced with notes of apricot, white chocolate and orange peel towards the harmonious and tensile finish. You can see this cruising along for two or three decades and maybe it will turn more Barsac-like in style? Time will tell – a glorious Yquem however you look at it. Tasted May 2016.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Sauternes

Size: 750ml

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SKU: 874373 Category: Pre-arrival

More about this item

Winery

Chateau d'Yquem

Shop all from Chateau d'Yquem

Varietal

Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc

The Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend is a harmonious coupling of two grape varieties that creates a distinctive and balanced white wine. Originating in Bordeaux, this blend is celebrated for its unique attributes. Semillon contributes a luscious texture, richness, and the potential for age-worthy complexity, especially when affected by noble rot. On the other hand, Sauvignon Blanc adds vibrant acidity, zesty citrus flavors, and herbaceous notes, providing a refreshing and aromatic quality. What makes this blend unique is the complementary nature of these grapes, resulting in a wine that boasts both depth and freshness. Producers worldwide, from Bordeaux to regions in Australia and beyond, have embraced this blend, showcasing its versatility and ability to express different terroirs. Whether enjoyed young for its lively and crisp characteristics or aged for added nuance, the Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend is a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the delightful synergy achieved by blending these two grape varieties.

Country

France

France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]

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Region

Bordeaux

Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]

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Appellation

Sauternes

Sauternes, a revered appellation within Bordeaux, France, is celebrated for producing the world's finest sweet wines. What makes Sauternes unique is its climatic conditions, ideal for the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. This benevolent fungus shrivels the grapes, concentrating sugars and flavors, resulting in lusciously sweet and complex wines. Predominantly crafted from Sémillon, with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle playing supporting roles, Sauternes wines exhibit opulent flavors of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits. The region's microclimates, terroir variations, and meticulous vineyard management contribute to the diversity of styles within the appellation. Châteaux like d'Yquem epitomize Sauternes' excellence, and the wines often require patience, aging gracefully for decades. The intricate dance of sweetness, acidity, and botrytis characterizes Sauternes, offering a unique tasting experience and showcasing the artistry of Bordeaux winemaking. Exploring Sauternes provides wine enthusiasts with a profound understanding of the magic that noble rot imparts to create these extraordinary dessert wines.

Ratings & Reviews

WA 96pts

Wine Advocate

The 1988 Chateau d'Yquem has long been an insider's favorite over the 1989 and 1990, although at the end of the day, all three form a brilliant triumvirate at the end of the decade. Tasted from a half bottle, it shone with a slightly burnished amber hue. The bouquet is just as I have encountered with previous bottles with scents of marmalade, mandarin, burnt honey and citrus fruit, perhaps a little waxier and resinous than I recall. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive weight, viscous as you would expect, though not as flamboyant as the 1989 or as unctuous as the 1990. It is beautifully balanced with notes of apricot, white chocolate and orange peel towards the harmonious and tensile finish. You can see this cruising along for two or three decades and maybe it will turn more Barsac-like in style? Time will tell - a glorious Yquem however you look at it. Tasted May 2016.

VM 96pts

Vinous Media

The 1988 Yquem is a vintage that | have drunk with enormous pleasure on numerous occasions. This last bottle was the perfect ending to a horizontal of 1988 Roumier wines at Noizé. It was a late harvest that lasted until All Saints Day (1 November). A total of 6 tries were necessary through the vineyard, each gifting plenty of botrytised fruit. Deep amber in hue, it offers wonderful aromas of mandarin, orange blossom, wax resin and a light adhesive scent. was actually quite taken aback but the splendid delineation and life-affirming vitality of this example, hints of crème brûlée interwoven through the honeyed fruit, Clementine and hints of caramelised pear. It fans out wonderfully on the finish. Without doubt, this was the best bottle of 1988 Yquem that I have encountered.

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

Broad and soft, with creamed apricot, mango, date, honey, caramel and marzipan notes, all framed by toasted brioche and musk accents. The flattering finish lets orange curd and flan details glide through. A touch shy on tension, but shows lovely range.—Non-blind Yquem vertical (July 2014). Drink now through 2030. 6,500 cases made.

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Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 1988 750ml

Case of 12

More Vintages:

Winery

Chateau d'Yquem

Varietal

Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Appellation

Sauternes

Wine Advocate

Vinous Media

Wine Spectator

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Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 2023 375ml

Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 2022 375ml

Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 2021 375ml

Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 2011 375ml

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