1973 d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
The 1973 Yquem is a vintage that I have not encountered for many years. It was cropped at just 3.5 hl/ha between October 2 until November 21. It has a lightly adhesive-scented nose that lacks vigour, with subtle touches of mandarin. The palate is bitter on the entry with tangy Seville orange marmalade, and then it kind of "gives up" and scuttles towards an atypically abrupt finish. Drink up. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
This year, the only chance to pick was a brief window from 2 to 12 October where few grapes reached the requisite 20° potential alcohol. It was a miniscule harvest. Unlike 1977, the 1973 Yquem cannot disguise off-putting vegetal scents on the nose, whilst the palate is acidic and bitter, some rot evident towards the finish. More selection might have rendered a better Sauternes, but this is best avoided to be brutally frank.
Pale tawny. Relatively simple, sugary nose. Lots of unresolved acidity on the palate. The wine may well improve in bottle but is an awkward 14 at the moment. (JR)
Surprisingly successful in what was a mediocre vintage for the wines of this region, the 1973 Yquem is overtly oaky and too spicy, but has very good concentration, less sweetness and botrytis than in vintages like 1975 and 1976, and is well balanced, fat, and long on the palate (only 12% of the crop was used for Yquem). Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/84.
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.