1985 Yquem
Description
This includes a private tour followed by a tasting of 1 vintage at the Château for 4 people (to be used by the end of July 2028).
Buying options
Tasting notes
A special vintage of a special wine made from the longest, latest harvest at the property, lasting from 1 October to 19 December. Infinitely the best and most complex 1985 Sauternes. The rest were picked much earlier before much botrytis set in after a hot, dry summer. Mid orange-gold. Rich, layered, creamy wine with so many elements to it. Fresh and clearly showing botrytis influence. So reverberant! Served with a clever giant cube of feather-light French toast, caramelised figs and vanilla ice cream. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1985 Yquem has come my way a few times in recent years, but sadly, it never really impresses. The aromatics come across as one-dimensional compared to others: barley sugar and mandarin, later dried honey. It never really takes off. The palate is balanced yet more bitter than I recall, the finish rather disjointed and with a bit of VA. Drink now. Tasted at the château.
The 1985 Yquem—the third time I have encountered this vintage—has a rather one-dimensional bouquet that is missing botrytis. It has rather enervated scents of dried honey, almond and orange pith on the nose. The palate is well balanced, but there is a nagging dryness at its core and an "ossified heart," which means the finish feels disjointed. Not bad for the vintage, but of course, there were far better Yquem from this period. Tasted at the Yquem vertical at the château.
The 1985 Yquem suffered by there being just a single day of rain between 15 September and 1 November, precluding botrytis formation. Nevertheless, picking started on 5 October and unexpectedly some botrytis did appear. The nose is clean but simple for this estate, dried honey and hazelnut, almond and a subtle petrol-like aroma. The palate is balanced but again, quite straightforward with tangy marmalade and barley sugar notes, drying a little towards the finish. Modest amounts of pleasure to be had here, though it's a bit of a joke without a punchline. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux (not Yquem).
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.