"Level Top shoulder, Bin soiled, good capsule, light seepage
89 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
The 1980 Yquem comes from a rather derided and ignored vintage for Sauternes. Still, as usual, Yquem proves it can turn into a delicious Sauternes in the most unbenevolent of seasons. Yes, it does miss a bit of vitality on the nose, but it opens nicely with linseed and mandarin notes. There's not a great deal of botrytis, so it's not amazingly complex. The palate is well-balanced, and unlike the previous half-bottle tasting, the acidity seems better here, leading to a slightly viscous, walnut-tinged finish that delivers satisfying tension. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. Drinking Window 2023 - 2033, September 2023"
In 1593, the Sauvage family acquired Château d’Yquem, which came into the Lur Saluces family when Francoise Joséphine de Sauvage married Count Louis Amédée de Lur Saluces in 1785. Count Alexandre de Lur Saluces perpetuated his family's tradition as manager of Château d'Yquem for more than 35 years. His efforts were guided by a single philosophy: an uncompromising approach to the highest quality, vintage after vintage. Thanks to his determination, this great wine's reputation reached new heights. All famous wine lovers, from Jefferson to Tognini, by way of Grand Duke Constantine of Russia, confirmed Yquem's greatness as the years went on. In May 2004, L.V.M.H. / Louis Vuitton - Moët Hennessy, main shareholders of Château d'Yquem since 1999, asked Pierre Lurton to take over management of the estate. Member of a famous Bordeaux wine family, this passionate winemaker and viticulturalist, who is also in charge of Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Emilion and Cheval des Andes in Argentina, has all the necessary qualities to maintain Yquem's legendary reputation with a respect for tradition and an openness to modernity. ©ugcb
