Name: Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1996 375ml
Brand: Chateau d'Yquem
SKU: 886675
Price: 268.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.7 (3 reviews)

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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.

WS 96pts

Wine Spectator

This leans toward the tropical side, with mango and guava notes out front, while maple, date, blood orange and citrus oil flavors fill in behind. The finish kicks into another gear, taking off with honeysuckle, orange blossom and frangipane accents. Has almost unbridled power today, while maintaining serious cut. A very impressive showing in a rather overlooked vintage.—Non-blind Yquem vertical (July 2014). Drink now through 2035.

WA 95pts

Wine Advocate

Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality. There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem. However, patience will be a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2060.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

The 1996 Yquem is a vintage I have not tasted for a wee while, and it has not previously appeared in Vinous' expansive database. I tasted two bottles. The first, opened in New York, paled against the 2006 Yquem opened alongside. A curious showing. The second, opened a few weeks later, is much better. This is much purer on the nose than previous examples, delivering wild honey, mirabelle plum, saffron and barley sugar with fine delineation. The palate is elegant with a crisp line of acidity, clementine mingling with freshly cut ginger and apricot. The finish shows commendable intensity. This is much more like it! Tasted at the château.

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Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 1996 375ml

Case of 12

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