What Vintages of D'Yquem are drinking well right now?

[Fred_Daniels]

The 97 is stellar…I think the 90 and 88 have more development ahead but are tasty. The 89 I had was also ready. I agree about the 2003s being under-rated. I think that they will be hefty, delicious wines in the dessert style with time.

As to the change in style, I read that Yquem was cutting back on the barrel aging from 32 months to 24 months (something like that) because they wanted to capture more of the “freshness”. I hope to live to see the outcome of their “experiment”. But it seems that in order to get to market sooner, they are bottling sooner, which would make this an economic decision rather than one made in the best interests of quality. I would need to know the bottling history of Yquem going back a long time to make that statement stick. Did they only keep the 1921 in oak for 24 months? The 1937? I don’t know. If anyone has more information I would greatly appreciate it.

By the way, if the lur Saluces family is no longer involved, can they still use the coronet on their label? Or is it just meaningless?

[jdietz]

Had the 2003 tonite, and it was outstanding!

[john_richards]

the 1983 would be my choice

[Robert.A.Jr]

@Jerry Hey

Late last year I had 2005, 2003, 2001, 1997, 1988 1986, 1983, 1976, 1975 Yquem at a dinner. In order of preference I would say 2001, 1988, and then a toss up between 1986, 1983, and 1997. For what the 1997 is going for now ($130 for a 375ml) that is the best buy, IMHO. I had the 97 again last weekend and it was showing wonderfully with lots of orange peel and apricot, great length and viscosity and even after the wine was gone I kept smelling the glass. I’m really glad I have plenty of the 1997. And as another note, the winemaker at Yquem, Sandrine Garbay, likes the 97 also. But I was served the 1988 at the Chateau…

Thanks, Jerry. Where are you finding the '97 for $130 in 375?

[Dan.Gord0n]

@jdietz

Hadvthe 2003 tonite, and it was outstanding!

Big +1 on the 2003. While it will not likely have the brilliance of the 2001, I have thought it was terrific the three times that I have had it.

[richard_ritter]

My best friend is visiting next month from the Netherlands I plan to open a Yquem.I have 375’s of the88,89,90.Which would be most ready?

[David_Welch]

@richard ritter

My best friend is visiting next month from the Netherlands I plan to open a Yquem.I have 375’s of the88,89,90.Which would be most ready?

Try to separate these three is very tough, I doubt if any wine in the world had a string like d’Yquem did on those three vintages. Personally, I would hold the 90 and 88 and pop the 89 now, it is in a very good place right now. Any of these would give a lot of pleasure now.

[Roy_Hersh]

1983 is brilliant right now! Overshadowed by 1971, 1975, 1988 … but not in my opinion. 1983 is the real deal.

[harry_spithoven]

Bring in the 1975 for me
If you do nt have, the 2001 please !

[NickWittman]

Think 1995 d’Yquem is drinking well if looking within the last 20 years. Outside of that, tasted a 1990 d’Yquem in 5L this past week, incredibly young, would not open, at least in this format anytime soon! Of the more modern vintages, do not think I have had a better d’Yquem than the 1988.