1954 d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
The 1954 Yquem is not dissimilar to a château bottling: marmalade and estuarine scents on the mature nose, still vital and fresh. The palate is relatively lighter compared to other vintages, as there is just 79 grams per litre of residual sugar. Mandarin and marmalade emerge once again on the palate. There’s fine weight and a slightly viscous texture towards the finish. The 1954 does miss a bit of bandwidth, but it is still delicious and perhaps not as taxing as a more concentrated Yquem might be. Lovely.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1954 Yquem is another off-vintage that Pierre Lurton opened during my visit to the château. Records state that it was picked from October 4 to November and contains 79g/l residual sugar. Deep amber in color, the nose offers scents of crème brûlée, rosewater and light algae-like scents, quite pure and fragrant. The palate is obviously not high on botrytis concentration, with notes of tangy marmalade, mandarin and a touch of marjoram. As Yquem goes, you could argue that it is one-dimensional, but as one-dimensional wines go, it's delicious. Lovely. Tasted at the château.
Bill's birth year – and perhaps the last time he tasted this Yquem (though almost certainly not the last time he tasted Yquem, as he lived for another 10 weeks). This had been recorked in 1995. Tawny colour with a very pale rim. Butterscotch notes on the nose, then very lively palate. Creamy texture. Great energy even if not one of the sweetest vintages. An exceptional 1954. Like Bill. (JR)
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.