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Yquem 1983

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Sauternes and Barsac
ColourSweet White
TypeStill
Grape VarietySauvignon Blanc/Semillon
Also available in the following mixed case:

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Tasting Notes

A wine that is just hitting its adolescence, this spectacular Yquem is the greateat vintage of the early 1980s and the best Yquem since 1976 and before the trilogy of 1990, 1989, and 1988. The wine has a medium-gold color and an extraordinary nose of honey-dripped coconuts, pineapple, caramel, crème brulee, orange marmalade, and no doubt a few other items. Unctuously textured and full-bodied, with massive richness and great sweetness, this is a seamless classic that will probably be immortal. My point score continues to go up, but the wine still is young, although I would call it just approaching its adolescence. Anticipated maturity 2005 - 2075. Last tasted, 3/02.

98
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), December 2003

Coppery tawny, rose petals on the nose. Great vivacity. Real punch. Lots of acidity but lots of attack too. Exciting. Ripe pears - very exciting. But not one of the richest - a little nervy. Will never be a heavyweight.Drink 1998-2025Date tasted 13th Feb 08

18
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, February 2008

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. I do not feel the wine has changed since bottling, and I would not want to start drinking it for at least another 10-15 years

Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (3), November 1998

Tasted at “The Sampler” in London. The ’83 Yquem retains that Barsac-like bouquet with hints of barley sugar, quince, honey and a touch of marmalade. It has very fine definition and a greater sense of exuberance than hitherto encountered. The palate is very intense, superb vibrant acidity, great sense of tension with honey, marmalade, creme-brulee and apricots. This maybe the best Yquem ‘83 that I have tasted; the length extraordinary with an almost petrolly finish and yet it does not have the breeding of the ’89 or ’01. Drink now-2020+ Tasted December 2008.

94
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, December 2008
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.