Raised to the ranks of Premier Cru Supérieur appellation in 1855, Château d’Yquem is the product of meticulous work in the vineyard. Since its beginnings, it has benefited from an exceptional terroir, as well as being the result of unique ancestral know-how since 1593.
In the world of sweet wines, Château d’Yquem sits alone as the worlds greatest. The classification of Premier Cru Supérieur has only been bestowed to the wines of this great estate.
The wines of Château d’Yquem possess richness, complexity and longevity that is unrivalled by any other estate in Bordeaux or the world over. The term ‘Legendary’ has been used on many occasions and is befitting of the wines of this storied estate.
96 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 1983 is among the most concentrated wines from this property over the last 20 years, with a staggering display of extract and a mind-boggling amount of glycerin. The vintage commenced early for Yquem, beginning on September 29 and finishing on November 18. Most observers feel the 1983 will mature more slowly than the 1986, and will last for almost 100 years. Given Yquem’s unbelievable aging potential, such comments do not seem far fetched. At present, the 1983 is enormous, with huge, honeyed, pineapple, coconut, and caramel flavors, massive extract, and an unctuous quality barely framed by acidity and new oak.
96 Points Vinous
The 1983 Yquem is one of the standouts from the decade. Winemaker Sandrine Garbay brought a bottle to our London tasting but unfortunately it was obviously corked. Fortunately, a friend opened another that chimed with my previous encounters. This underwent a long harvest thanks to the clement weather from 29 September until 19 November. It has a dense, marmalade, quince and orange rind-scented bouquet with just a hint of burnt toffee. The palate is very intense and concentrated, powerful with that marmalade theme continuing, flanked by Manuka honey, crème brûlée and tinned apricot. It comes across slightly Germanic towards the finish that fans out gloriously. Divine.