1948 Château d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
The 1948 Yquem was opened at the château to raise a glass to the late Bill Blatch, who had died the previous month. Putting aside emotion, this was a fabulous showing that left everyone around the table, including Pierre Lurton, surprised. Quite deep in colour even in consideration of its antiquity, it has a fascinating and absorbing bouquet: tangerine, rosewater and star anise, just a hint of Turkish delight in the background. Wonderful delineation. The palate is beautifully balanced with, curiously, hints of red fruit in the mix alongside orange zest and light caramel notes. The richness here is counterbalanced by razor-sharp acidity, with very subtle mandarin and minty notes on the long finish. Given this was never a renowned Sauternes vintage, the 1948 Yquem is an unequivocal success.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
13.5% 125 g/l RS, TA 4.2. Cool summer with 25 mm rain 10 Sep followed by dry weather. First large wave of picking 14-30 Sep. Grapes were very sweet – 22-23 potential alcohol. Second wave – 17 Oct – gave very high quality. Rain 25 Oct and picked a third wave (17-18 potential alc) after this until 3 Nov. Morning mist gave botrytis. Very dark tawny with reddish hints. Burly autumnal nose. Quite savoury. Very big and quite high volatile acidity but very gorgeous and round and slightly burnt caramel. Very lively and nice dry zesty finish. Lots of nuance and intrigue here. (JR)