Château d'Yquem Sauternes 1986
The harvest: The month of September was rainy. Temperatures were mild and Botrytis cinerea developed beautifully. The first wave of picking began on October 6th. It did not rain, but it was quite foggy and the warm moist atmosphere was excellent for the spread of botrytis. It began to rain on the 18th, bringing picking to a halt. 40 mm of rain fell until October 20th, which is just about the limit for such a botrytised year. Fortunately, the weather improved and another wave of picking could take place. Four further waves were to follow. They were only interrupted by thick fogs that prevented us from working more than five hours a day. The vintage ended on November 10th.
Actual bottle from our inventory is pictured. These bottles are in excellent condition, from their original wooden case and all fills are well into the neck. All bottles are as good or better than the bottle pictured.
Also available:
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1975
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1983
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1986
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1989
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1990
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1995
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2000
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 375 ml. 1988
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 375 ml. 1989
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 375 ml. 1998
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 375 ml. 2001
Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 375 ml. 2003
Wine Advocate
There is no other wine in the world like it, and there is no other luxury wine that can possibly justify its price as much as Yquem. The remarkable amount of painstaking labor necessary to produce the nectar known as Yquem is almost impossible to comprehend. This is a fascinating effort. With greater evidence of botrytis than the colossal 1983, but less power and alcohol, the 1986 Yquem tastes reminiscent of the 1975, only more precocious, as well as more concentrated. Several highly respected Bordeaux negociants who are Yquem enthusiasts claim the 1986 Yquem is the greatest wine produced at the property since the legendary 1937. Its enthralling bouquet of pineapples, sauteed hazelnuts, vanillin, and ripe apricots is breathtaking. Compellingly concentrated, the breadth as well as depth of flavor seemingly know no limits. This full-bodied, powerful, yet impeccably balanced Yquem should provide memorable drinking for 40-55 more years. Like the 1983, this is another winemaking tour de force. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2040. Last tasted, 4/91.
Score: 98.
—Robert Parker,
January
1998.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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