1787 Yquem

Another dark Th J bottle, engraved not labelled, with a deep punt. Deep, deep brown with a greenish rim and, like the 1784, smelt slightly mouldy at first. There was definite life here, however, in a wine that was slightly treacly, extremely lively with marked but not unpleasant acidity. On the palate a burnt sugar start, dry finish, no great persistence. After 40 minutes there was an intense nose of chestnuts, autumnal and briary. More robust and concentrated but less charming than the 1784. Powerful, chunky. (JR)