Château d'Yquem 1987

Château d’Yquem 1987 — Sauternes Premier Cru Supérieur

This Château d’Yquem 1987 offers a mature, rare and delicately evolved expression of the most famous sweet wine of Sauternes. The only estate classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855, Yquem embodies a unique style, built on the meticulous selection of botrytised grapes, the depth of Sémillon, the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc and an exceptional ability to age over time.

The 1987 vintage was more delicate than the great historic years of the estate. Today, the wine shows a lighter, more evolved and immediately accessible profile, with aromas of aged honey, quince, white peach, candied citrus, pineapple, beeswax, soft chocolate, tea, spices and pastry notes. A collector’s bottle, to be approached with care and appreciated for its aromatic patina as much as for its prestige.

Terroir: the hill of Yquem and the nobility of botrytis

Château d’Yquem overlooks Sauternes from its elevated plateau, on a terroir where morning mists and drier afternoons favour the development of noble rot. This rare natural alchemy concentrates the grapes, enriches the aromatic spectrum and gives birth to sweet wines of singular depth.

The blend traditionally combines Sémillon, bringing breadth, richness, honey, candied fruits and texture, with Sauvignon Blanc, which reinforces freshness, citrus notes, tension and aromatic clarity. At Yquem, the lots are vinified with extreme precision, including ageing in oak barrels, which contributes to the wine’s complexity and longevity.

Tasting notes

Expression of the 1987 vintage

The 1987 vintage gives Yquem a more fragile and nuanced expression than the estate’s great benchmark years. Today, the wine’s interest lies in its age, rarity, legendary origin and evolved aromatic register. Bottle condition is therefore essential: it should be opened gently, without prolonged decanting, and served around 10 to 12°C in order to preserve its remaining freshness and most delicate nuances.