1962 Yquem

One of the most fantastic mature wines I’ve ever encountered from this iconic estate in Sauternes, the 1962 d'Yquem displays a sensual, racy bouquet with aromas of saffron, quince, spices, candied orange, white truffles and perfectly ripe orchard fruits, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and sensual palate, bright acids and a fleshy core of fruit that assert themselves gently on the finish. This multidimensional Yquem, less unctuous and thicker than the mighty 1967, deserves the ultimate score and represents the essence of this great terroir.

The 1962 Yquem is similar to the previous bottle that I tasted a few months earlier. It has a slightly deeper hue, though, closed at first and then opening with mandarin, melted wax and tangerine mixed with rose water, again, quite Barsac-like in character. The palate is finely poised and elegant, with ginger and marmalade fanning out on the tender and viscous finish. I previously suggested that bottles should be drunk sooner rather than later, though on this showing, maybe the 1962 does have longer legs than I expected. Tasted at the Pomeral 1961 dinner in Hong Kong

The 1962 Yquem is similar to the previous bottle that I tasted a few months earlier. It has a slightly deeper hue, though, closed at first and then opening with mandarin, melted wax and tangerine mixed with rose water, again, quite Barsac-like in character. The palate is finely poised and elegant, with ginger and marmalade fanning out on the tender and viscous finish. I previously suggested that bottles should be drunk sooner rather than later, though on this showing, maybe the 1962 does have longer legs than I expected. Tasted at the Pomerol 1961 dinner in Hong Kong.