Chateau d’Yquem 1990

Description

This is a Chateau that is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with the rich and powerful, having been owned by a succession of French and English Kings and having been the favourite wine of US President Thomas Jefferson- no wonder d’Yquem is often referred to as the ‘King of wines’. Yquem is located on the highest hill in Sauternes and enjoys the best growing conditions in the whole appellation. The 110-hectare vineyard is planted with 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Only fully botrytized fruit is picked by the 150 highly skilled pickers and yields are so low that each vine produces only one glass of wine. Yquem is fermented in oak barrels (100% new) and is left in barriques to mature for up to 36 months. Intensely opulent when young, Yquem develops an extraordinary complexity and exotic richness when fully mature, with the best vintages lasting for over 50 years.

TASTING NOTES
The wine’s medium gold colour is accompanied by an exceptionally sweet nose of honeyed tropical fruits, peaches, coconut, and apricots. High quality, subtle toasty oak is well-integrated. The wine is massive on the palate, with layers of intensely ripe botrytis-tinged, exceptionally sweet fruit. Surprisingly well-integrated acidity, and a seamless, full-bodied power and richness have created a wine of remarkable harmony and purity. 50-100 years of potential longevity.

FOOD PAIRING

Foie Gras, Roquefort