1987 d'Yquem
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1987 Yquem, the second time I have encountered this off-vintage, still misses a bit of vigor on the nose that features quince and white peach scents. It has modest attraction and yet does not possess the complexity of other vintages. The palate is balanced, but a bitter lemon element toward the finish feels jarring and doesn't quite meld with the overall blend. I'm not a huge fan of the 1987 Yquem, though it was a very tough vintage. Tasted at the Yquem vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1987 Yquem is a vintage that I have only encountered once before, at Lynch Moussas as I remember. Rain and "tropical heat" conspired to make picking difficult i.e. an abundance of grey rot, so selection had to be fastidious. This bottle does little to alter the fact that it is a so-so vintage for Yquem. It just lacks vigour on the nose, uncharacteristically static, though the palate is better with white peaches, saffron and a touch of quince and of sour lemon underlining the short finish. Drink sooner rather than later.
The 1987, from a difficult vintage, is a medium-weight d'Yquem, with enticing oaky, tropical fruit aromas, but the unctuosity and profound depth of flavor so obvious in top years are not present. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 1/93.
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.