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Yquem 1997

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Sauternes and Barsac
ColourSweet White
TypeStill
Grape VarietySauvignon Blanc/Semillon

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Label

Tasting Notes

96
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), December 2003

The 1997 Yquem comes from a season that witnessed the earliest-ever flowering (5 May) and an early picking that began on 4 September, though botrytis failed to develop, necessitating seven tries through the vineyard over 32 days of picking that lasted until 4 November. One aspect to note is how deep in colour this is compared to the 2003 that Sandrine Garbay served alongside. The nose offers marmalade and quince, hints of yellow plum and honey, not quite as precise as the previous bottle that I tasted in May the previous year, though it displays less of that adhesive trait. The palate has a lovely piquancy, very tangy with driving marmalade and Seville orange notes. The 5g/L of total acidity maintains the tension of the 1997, though maybe it is a little more evolved than I might have expected. Still, it remains a magnificent Yquem that will last many decades. Tasted from ex-château bottle in London. 2022-2045

93
Neal Martin, vinous.com, April 2022

It's been a long time since the preeminent yquem has delivered such a powerful and well balanced sweet wine. The 1997 is deceptively refined, yet thick and extravagant. It is holding back loads of character and structure and needs many years of bottle age. It now shoes subtle aromas of honey, spices and intense botrytis. Full bodies, thick and fruity, it coats your palate with sweet orange peel and lemon rind character. Don't touch it until at least 2008. The wine will be released in october, and is available as futures now.

95
James Suckling, Wine Spectator (126), April 2003

A sensational Yquem, 1997 may be this estate's finest effort since 1990 (although I would not discount the 1996 turning out to be nearly as good). The 1997's light gold color is accompanied a gorgeous perfume of caramel, honeysuckle, peach, apricot, and smoky wood. Full-bodied and unctuously-textured, with good underlying acidity as well as loads of sweetness and glycerin, it looks to be a great vintage for this renowned Sauternes estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2055.

96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (146), April 2003
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.