1978 Yquem
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Tasting notes
The 1978 Yquem comprises just 20% of the harvest. It's a bit dusty on the nose and lacks fruit intensity. The palate is sharp and almost bitter, short and compact on the finish. Apparently, two bottles were opened at the château and both were the same. Caveat emptor! Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
1978 was an extremely difficult year for the wine producers in Barsac and Sauternes. Unlike the red wine producers who had a late, yet excellent harvest, the weather was not humid enough for the formation of the noble rot. While the wines are rich, full bodied, and viscous, they lack character and often taste dull. Yquem's 1978 is the best wine produced in the appellation. It is rich and honeyed, with excellent concentration and plenty of alcohol and body. Unfortunately, it does not have the majestic bouquet and complex flavors and aromas that can only result from rampant botrytis-infected grapes. Only 15% of the crop went into Yquem. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 12/90.
A burly Yquem, slightly drying, with lots of crème brûlée, toasted nut and raisin flavors. The mocha-tasting finish is long and persistent, but lacks a bit of class.--Yquem vertical. Drink now through 2010. Winespectator.com
A lemon/amber colour. Again quite a Burgundian nose with little signs of botrytis (this time I wrote mature Corton-Charlemagne.) Quite minerally and well-defined. The palate is pretty with an unctuous texture. Minerals, apricot and honey. Very harmonious with moderate complexity. A very charming Yquem with grace and style. Drink over the next 5-8 years. Tasted November 2004. Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
About the producer
The undisputed finest sweet wine in the world, Château d'Yquem is the only Premier Cru Supérieur estate in Sauternes, classified in 1855. With a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the château is entwined with that of the Lur-Saluces family – who remain involved today.