1991 d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
The 1991 Yquem is my fourth encounter with this vintage that is better than the vintage reputation. This is more fragrant than the 1993 and 1994 on the nose, fig jam mixed with Aszú-like fruit, a subtle adhesive scent in the background. The palate is well balanced with a tangy entry and a keen thread of acidity, not a complex Yquem, but there is less abruptness than those aforementioned vintages. It is still Barsac-like on the finish, but it still leaves you wanting more. Drink now and over the next decade. Just 98 g/l residual sugar. Tasted at the château.
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Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1991 Yquem is a vintage that I have not tasted for some 14 years. Several parcels survived the frost on 21 April that enabled an Yquem to be made from three tries through the vineyard. Deep in colour, it has a tangy marmalade and adhesive scented bouquet that oddly reminds me of the 1991 Doisy Daëne. The palate is balanced with orange peel, tangerine and a touch of pineapple, as I noted before, almost Barsac-like on the short but commendable finish. Fine.
Served from an ex-chateau bottle. The 1991 Chateau d’Yquem was actually not affected by the frosts like everywhere else in Bordeaux, damaging 30% of the vines, predicating a two-track ripening cycle. This was not too much of a problem to overcome since bunches are picked one by one. Picking commenced on September 19, with half the crop being picked over five days between October 21 and 25 after a spell of intermittent showers. It has a lighter color than the 1995. The nose displays moderate intensity with light waxy scents that would benefit from more vigor. The palate is well-balanced but there is a distinct sense of the wine being a little one-dimensional and it is missing some tension, especially toward the finish. Although this is a commendable Sauternes, there is a bitterness and a slight rawness that cannot be ignored. Still, it deserves a light applause considering the growing season. Drink now-2020. Tasted March 2014.
Paler than 1990. Pale gold. Smells of very ripe pears. relatively simple and unevolved. Clean quite tart palate. Noticveably lighter bodied than 1990 – not as pure and tingling either. 17 and developing but not a great Yquem. (JR)
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.