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The 1981 vintage is the result of a rather warm year and early flowering and harvests which took place in good conditions thanks to the know-how of the winegrowers. The Château d'Yquem 1981 is superbly defined and concentrated. This Premier Cru Classé Supérieur is fresh and will appeal to lovers of great Sauternes wines.
Vintage | Wine 1981 |
Classification | Sauternes - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Sauternes |
Colour | Sweet white wine |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Country | France |
Château | Château d'Yquem |
Country | France |
The Château d'Yquem is an area of 133 hectares including 113 hectares of vineyards, 102 acres operated, south of Bordeaux in Sauternes region that produces a sweet white wine ranked Premier Cru Superior, the only wine from the Sauternes category.
It is considered by many as the best Sauternes. The yield is only 6 hectoliters per hectare and in some years, if the quality is not deemed sufficient, the bottles are not sold under this label.
The wines are characterized by their complexity due to a significant amount of residual sugar and flavorings made by Botrytis cinerea. A relatively high acidity helps offset the sweetness. Another characteristic for which Château d'Yquem is known is his longevity. In good years does present a bottle of his outstanding after one or two decades in a cellar and with care it will keep for a century or more, adding to the complexity...
Since 1959 Chateau d'Yquem produces a dry white wine named "Y" (and before 2004 "Y Lur-Saluces") makes an equal proportion of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. This wine, like great wine is not produced every year. The 2005 vintage was the first vintage of Yquem offered for sale en primeur.
>> See all the crus classés of Sauternes classification
Haut Medoc
Pessac Leognan
Pomerol
CHÂTEAU LEOVILLE POYFERRE 1981
Saint Julien
Margaux
Saint Estèphe
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 1981
Pauillac
CHÂTEAU BEYCHEVELLE 1981 Magnum
Saint Julien
Margaux
(11-2004) The dark horse of the Yquem tasting at CECWINE in November 2004. A slight deeper colour compared to the 79 and 80. Rich honey and peach with superb definition and focus. The palate has great balance and verve with exquisite freshness and joie-de-vivre. Apricot and orange. There is a lot of finesse and grace here. It its harmony and texture, rather than concentration that elevates it above the others.
(05-2011)
(09-2007)