1939 Yquem

This remarkably fresh, frisky bottle looked and smelt like dark caramel. What life and power! Very, very rich and sweet – just what Yquem alone seems to be able to do: deliver concentration, complexity, super-refreshment and particularly apt longevity. - drink when you can (JR)

The 1939 Chateau d'Yquem might well turn out to be the only Sauternes I will taste from this long forgotten vintage. Having said that, it's probably one-hundred times better than anything else. According to Michael Broadbent's "Vintage Wine," it was harvested between September 30 and November 6 (and incidentally, awarded it four-stars). Lucid gold, it has a light chlorine-tinged bouquet with melted wax scents, simple but pure. The palate has a pleasing viscosity on the palate, almost Auslese-like in texture. There is not much botrytis here, but there is a pleasing Christmas cake, stewed fig and marmalade finish that is very satisfying. It is not the greatest Yquem I will ever try, but given the historical significance of this year, it is a privilege to encounter this wine and it is far better than I could have predicted. Dec 2015, www.robertparker.com