Château d'Yquem 1996 - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Yquem enjoys a unique status in Bordeaux wine production, which places it virtually beyond the reach of critical judgment. The approximately 100 hectares under cultivation are divided between Sémillon and Sauvignon, planted on gravelly hilltops with a more clay-rich subsoil. The estate produces no small or even average vintages, as it tolerates no compromise. In fact, it chose not to produce the 2012 vintage, as the quality was not deemed high enough for the estate. The LVMH Group (which took it over in 1999 under the leadership of Pierre Lurton, who arrived in 2004), just as the Lur-Saluces family did in the past (now at Château de Fargues), cannot even imagine the possibility of taking the easy way out! Yquem deserves its status as the Premier des Premiers among Sauternes wines more than ever. The introduction of Sauvignon Blanc into the blends, the flexibility in adapting the aging process to the nature of the vintage, and, of course, a unique agronomic expertise make each vintage a celebration that is even more precise and balanced than in previous decades, satisfying both our senses and our intellect.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

A genuine fortified manor, this château is home to many treasures, including a chapel adorned with Italian frescoes. But its greatest treasure remains its wine, as exemplified by this 1996 vintage. While its brilliant color reveals its richness, the bouquet seems a bit shy at first sniff; but very quickly its spring-like character and youthfulness emerge, marked by aromas reminiscent of freshly picked grapes as well as spicy notes from the barrel. Full-bodied, rich, and perfectly balanced, the palate is just as harmonious. Candied fruit, citrus zest, quince paste, restrained power—everything is in its place. Impressive in its length, the finish hints at remarkable aging potential. A true classic.

About the estate:

A magnificent 17th-century fortified manor surrounded by vineyards, perched atop the hills overlooking the Garonne Valley, Château d'Yquem is unique among grand cru estates in that it has remained in the same family—first the Sauvages, then the Lur-Saluces—for nearly four hundred years. An estate that became the jewel of the Sauternes region as early as the 18th century. In addition to its stability, it benefits from a highly diverse and nuanced terroir, composed of a multitude of small hills, with vines on the upper plateau and others on the mid- and lower slopes. This diversity allows the estate to adapt to the vagaries of the climate and is what gives Yquem wine its great complexity. Classified as a Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855—the only one in its category—it has belonged to the LVMH group since 1999, which entrusted its management to Pierre Lurton in 2004. The transition to organic farming began in 2019.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Compared to the flamboyant aromatic profile of the 1997, the 1996 Yquem is more reserved, though it is exceptionally well-endowed. With a luminous golden color and a tight but promising nose featuring notes of toasted hazelnuts blended with crème brûlée, vanilla bean, honey, orange marmalade, and hints of peach, this medium-bodied wine reveals a restrained yet powerful personality. The acidity, balance, texture, and purity are admirable in this impeccably crafted Yquem. However, patience will be a virtue.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Recognized as the world’s most famous sweet wine, Yquem has been owned since 1999 by the LVMH group, led by businessman Bernard Arnault. The château is now led by Pierre Lurton, who also heads Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion. Before him, from 1967 to 2004, Alexandre de Lur Saluces wrote some of the finest chapters in the history of the only First Growth classified as “Superior” in 1855, following in the footsteps of his ancestors. For this wine is perhaps the most consistent in Bordeaux over the past century. Even in modest vintages and difficult periods, Yquem has maintained its standing through its incomparable aging. It owes this to a unique terroir, which responds to the development of botrytis like no other, and to the men who have understood and brought out its qualities. While Yquem may not necessarily impress in its youth, it irrevocably pulls ahead of its neighbors after a few years of aging. Tasting an old vintage from the château remains an experience that every lover of sweet wine must have had in their lifetime.