1998 Château d’Yquem (Half Bottle)
Few wines carry the aura of Château d’Yquem, and even in a half bottle the 1998 vintage delivers remarkable gravitas. The year was defined by a slow development of noble rot, producing wines of luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. Nearly three decades on, the half-bottle format has encouraged a slightly more advanced evolution, offering a beautifully expressive and harmonious experience today.
The nose is opulent yet finely detailed, unfolding with dried apricot, candied orange peel and pineapple confit, layered with acacia honey, saffron and toasted almond. With air, nuances of caramelised citrus, beeswax and a delicate smoky note emerge. On the palate, the texture is rich and enveloping, yet lifted by precise acidity that prevents any sense of heaviness. Flavours of marmalade, quince jelly and exotic spice glide toward a long, resonant finish marked by honeyed citrus and lingering botrytis complexity.
This is mature Yquem in a captivating register — luxurious, layered and perfectly poised between sweetness and structure.
Corked Points: 97/100
