Château d'Yquem, Sauternes, 1988

We present Château d’Yquem 1988, an exceptional Sauternes from Bordeaux’s only Premier Cru Supérieur, harvested under ideal botrytis conditions that yielded a wine of great concentration and classical structure. This vintage is often regarded as a benchmark for its marriage of luscious sweetness and vibrant acidity, promising remarkable longevity.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, Château d’Yquem 1988 offers a rich and expressive bouquet of ripe apricot, candied orange peel and dried tropical fruit, framed by honey, acacia blossom, saffron and hints of toasted nuts and vanilla. Underneath, a streak of citrus and mineral notes provides lift, giving the aromatics impressive clarity despite their intensity.

On the palate, the wine is full‑bodied and luscious, delivering layers of orange marmalade, dried stone fruits, honey and spice in a dense yet finely etched texture. A firm backbone of acidity cuts through the sweetness, lending tension and length to a finish that is both powerful and refined, confirming this 1988 as a great, ageworthy Yquem still with many years ahead.