2 bottles per lot
Details
Château dYquem
Yquem came into the Lur-Saluces family by marriage in 1785. This illustrious estate remained under family control until 1996 when family shareholders sold their majority to LVMH. The modern era of the estate was lead by the very capable Comte Alexandre de Lur-Saluces whose astute managment over saw many of the last century's greatest Yquem vintages, 1967, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1986, 1988 and the now legendary 1990. Comte Alexandre was the 6th generation of the Lur-Saluces family to watch over this dynasty. The whole domaine comprises the finest 465 acres in all of Sauternes to which just under 280 acres are planted exclusively to Sémillon and Sauvignon. The exceptional quality of the wine can be attributed to several factors. First, the very nature of the soil which, lying often on clay, has to be well drained, in part to the admirable way the estate's slopes are exposed, especially the very severe way the grapes are selected, and of course to the meticulous care taken in cultivating the vines, picking the grapes and making the wine. Only that part of the crop judged to be perfect is bottled under the Chbteau grand vin label and in some years the entire crop is declassified, as it was in 1964, 1972, 1974, and 1992. It is this constant attention to detail and the very great care taken to make sure the wine is of top quality which enabled Yquem, in the 1855 classification, to be given the title "Premier Cru Supérieur."
Château d'Yquem--Vintage 1921
Sauternes, 1er grand cru classé
Levels: top shoulder; rebouched, one torn and reapplied label, gorgeous mahogany color
"Certainly not dark, but in my last five notes varying from fairly deep, at best a warm amber-gold, on one occasion reminding me of an old oloroso sherry, on another Bual madeira-like, with a pronounced apple-green rim. The bouquet, very rich, honeyed of course, peachy, barley sugar (boiled and spun sugar), intense yet fragrant, 'custard cream', crème brûlee yet again, but very true. On the palate from sweet to very sweet, depending I think on context, unquestionably rich, powerful, even assertive, great length and intensity, and supported by life-preserving acidity. One of life's sublime experiences. Last tasted a bottle brought by Paolo Pong to a dinner at Jancis Robinson's, Dec 2000 *****" MB, Vintage Wine
2 bottles per lot
Yquem came into the Lur-Saluces family by marriage in 1785. This illustrious estate remained under family control until 1996 when family shareholders sold their majority to LVMH. The modern era of the estate was lead by the very capable Comte Alexandre de Lur-Saluces whose astute managment over saw many of the last century's greatest Yquem vintages, 1967, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1986, 1988 and the now legendary 1990. Comte Alexandre was the 6th generation of the Lur-Saluces family to watch over this dynasty. The whole domaine comprises the finest 465 acres in all of Sauternes to which just under 280 acres are planted exclusively to Sémillon and Sauvignon. The exceptional quality of the wine can be attributed to several factors. First, the very nature of the soil which, lying often on clay, has to be well drained, in part to the admirable way the estate's slopes are exposed, especially the very severe way the grapes are selected, and of course to the meticulous care taken in cultivating the vines, picking the grapes and making the wine. Only that part of the crop judged to be perfect is bottled under the Chbteau grand vin label and in some years the entire crop is declassified, as it was in 1964, 1972, 1974, and 1992. It is this constant attention to detail and the very great care taken to make sure the wine is of top quality which enabled Yquem, in the 1855 classification, to be given the title "Premier Cru Supérieur."
Château d'Yquem--Vintage 1921
Sauternes, 1er grand cru classé
Levels: top shoulder; rebouched, one torn and reapplied label, gorgeous mahogany color
"Certainly not dark, but in my last five notes varying from fairly deep, at best a warm amber-gold, on one occasion reminding me of an old oloroso sherry, on another Bual madeira-like, with a pronounced apple-green rim. The bouquet, very rich, honeyed of course, peachy, barley sugar (boiled and spun sugar), intense yet fragrant, 'custard cream', crème brûlee yet again, but very true. On the palate from sweet to very sweet, depending I think on context, unquestionably rich, powerful, even assertive, great length and intensity, and supported by life-preserving acidity. One of life's sublime experiences. Last tasted a bottle brought by Paolo Pong to a dinner at Jancis Robinson's, Dec 2000 *****" MB, Vintage Wine
2 bottles per lot