1934 Château d'Yquem

The 1934 d'Yquem is another refined, mature wine, evoking aromas of quince, baked mango, candied blood orange, orange peel, saffron and brown sugar. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, with an unexpectedly energetic mid-palate, it is layered and textural with a long, saline finish that remains racy at age 89.

This is the second bottle of 1934 Yquem that I have tasted at the château, and it is even better than the first. The bouquet has more complexity and a sense of purpose than the first, exquisitely defined with Satsuma, quince and Seville orange marmalade, vivid and focused. The palate has outstanding concentration, that quicksilver line of acidity effortlessly slicing through the heavy botrytis, still viscous towards the finish that has a subtle tangy finish. This is everything you could wish for in 90-year-old Yquem. Tasted at the château.

13%, 126 g/l RS, TA 4.7. Very cold winter but warm and dry afterwards. Some hail in July. Big heatwave of 56 days of over 30 deg C. Very early picking 7 Sep – 3 Oct. Very pure and elegant vintage – powerful and very long. Dark tawny with greenish hints at the rim. Muted nose though hints of age. Quite dry by now but very tight and dynamic. Like a polished chestnut in taste somehow. Lively clean finish but not especially sweet. I think this is probably just past its best but very good. Wonderfully creamy. (JR)