D'Yquem '88 or '04 and serving questions

WINE TALK
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I am considering bringing an '88 (375) or a '04 (750) to a family dinner later this week.
I love dessert wines and have a bunch, but rarely drink them.

Has anyone had either of these vintages recently?
I don’t think we will finish a full sized bottle, so I’m leaning toward the '88, unless, the leftover is going to be okay in the fridge (transferred into smaller bottle)?

Other questions-
Should an older sauternes be opened ahead of time? Does it need to breath? If so, for how long?
Ideal serving temp?

Thanks! :slightly_smiling_face:

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@AAgrawal

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'88 half should be fabulous and no need to breathe.

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'88 is my favorite vintage of that decade and should be phenomenal right now. Open and serve, ideally see the evolution over an hour or two. Don’t serve too cold. I see you asked about ideal serving temp… roughly cellar temp (~55) or just barely colder. If it’s in the fridge or an ice bucket, take it out 30 minutes before serving.

'04 I opened last December and it needed a full 48 hours of air before I think it hit peak. It’s a very good Yquem, probably better than people give it credit for, but honestly it is very youthful and needs at least another decade.

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Thank you. That is the info that I needed.
I also have a '98, but it sounds like the '88 is the one to go with.

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We had the 88 with @Nick_Christie a few months ago, it was nice, but I prefer 89 and perhaps 90 a bit more.

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