1988 Chateau d’Yquem Premier Cru Superieur, Sauternes 12x75cl

Neal Martin 96

The 1988 Yquem is similar to the bottle I tasted two years earlier, one of my favorite vintages from that decade. Orange pith, quince, wax resin, and mandarin blossom on the nose, yet there is more control and focus than in other warmer vintages. The palate is underpinned by a wonderful frisson of acidity that cuts a swathe through the viscous fruit with Clementine and touches of creme brulee on the finish. It s firing on all cylinders, and I envisage it remaining there for some time. [Neal Martin, 16/02/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2048

Wine Advocate 96

The 1988 Chateau d’Yquem has long been an insider’s favorite over the 1989 and 1990, although at the end of the day, all three form a brilliant triumvirate at the end of the decade. Tasted from a half bottle, it shone with a slightly burnished amber hue. The bouquet is just as I have encountered with previous bottles with scents of marmalade, mandarin, burnt honey and citrus fruit, perhaps a little waxier and resinous than I recall. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive weight, viscous as you would expect, though not as flamboyant as the 1989 or as unctuous as the 1990. It is beautifully balanced with notes of apricot, white chocolate and orange peel towards the harmonious and tensile finish. You can see this cruising along for two or three decades and maybe it will turn more Barsac-like in style? Time will tell – a glorious Yquem however you look at it. Tasted May 2016. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046

JancisRobinson.com 19.5

13.5%, 123 g/l RS, TA 3.8. Very classic vintage. Warm year with a very wet spring. Good weather lasted to the end of the harvest, 15 Oct started – very late – and then it was a dream vintage with no rain for 4 weeks. Ended 25 Nov. Very late. Dark tawny. The most uintriging nose Glossy and lively and more intellectual than the other two, Extremely long – a hint of ginger and real zest. Certainly seemed the best of these three without a doubt. Very racy and flirtatious – maybe racier than the 1989. Powerful and very very long. [13/02/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2000-2040