1978 "Y" d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
The 1978 Yquem comprises just 20% of the harvest. It's a bit dusty on the nose and lacks fruit intensity. The palate is sharp and almost bitter, short and compact on the finish. Apparently, two bottles were opened at the château and both were the same. Caveat emptor! Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Neal Martin
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1978 was an extremely difficult year for the wine producers in Barsac and Sauternes. Unlike the red wine producers who had a late, yet excellent harvest, the weather was not humid enough for the formation of the noble rot. While the wines are rich, full bodied, and viscous, they lack character and often taste dull. Yquem's 1978 is the best wine produced in the appellation. It is rich and honeyed, with excellent concentration and plenty of alcohol and body. Unfortunately, it does not have the majestic bouquet and complex flavors and aromas that can only result from rampant botrytis-infected grapes. Only 15% of the crop went into Yquem. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 12/90.
About the producer
The undisputed finest sweet wine in the world, Château d'Yquem is the only Premier Cru Supérieur estate in Sauternes, classified in 1855. With a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the château is entwined with that of the Lur-Saluces family – who remain involved today.