1989 d'Yquem
By Chateau d'Yquem
1989 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
A vintage that quite literally marches to its own beat, the 1989 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem is a paragon of meticulous viticulture and assiduous winemaking. This vintage, which emerged victorious in a race against the elements, continues to enchant the palates of those fortunate enough to experience its splendour.
The Pinnacle of Investment-Calibre Sweet Wine
The investment virtues of the Sauternes region find their apotheosis in this exemplary year; it was a season graced by precise climatic whims that bestowed the precise conditions for 'noble rot', or botrytis cinerea, to flourish. The 1989 harvest at Chateau d'Yquem was a practised ballet of timing—delivering grapes plucked at their zenith, ensuring a complexity and balance seldom matched.
A Study in Structure and Elegance
It's no hyperbole to state that this 1989 yield is a singular sensation; each sip offers an elegy on poise and sophistication. On the nose, a tapestry of candied apricot, orange blossom, and acacia honey rolls forth, only to curtsy gallantly before sumptuous layers on the palate. Here, one uncovers hints of crème brûlée, ginger spice, and dried figs intertwined with a racy acidity that keeps the wine startlingly alive and prevents it from surrendering to overt sweetness.
The palate retention is blissful, unyielding—a celebration that lingers long after the wine has bid adieu. The judicious use of oak complements rather than overpowers, elevating the liquid gold to a harmonious realm that defies years—and definitions.
This monumental 1989 d'Yquem bespeaks its ongoing evolution in bottle—each passing year adding a stroke to an already masterful canvas. An investment in this Sauterne magnate from Chateau d'Yquem goes far beyond mere acquisition; it’s an indulgence in history, a betrothal with timelessness.
In summation, whether gracing your portfolio or your palate, this 1989 vintage stands as a sterling testament to Sauternes' nobility—a liquid chronicle etching memories across decades. It is no surprise that those curating collections for appreciation in sensory delight or fiscal reward deem it an astute addition.
Market price (CAD)
$5,940.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
198.33
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the 'First Growth' lunch in London. One the outstanding Yquem's of the modern age, this '89 rarely disappoints. It has a limpid amber/golden colour. The nose is exuberant, just soaring from the glass with acacia honey, orange-blossom, apricots, quince and a touch of wild heather. Brilliant definition. The palate is perhaps more introspective than I anticipated but beautifully balanced with viscous honeyed fruit, tangerine, peach and just a hint of Seville orange marmalade. Lacquers the mouth in heavenly Sauternes with an extraordinarily long finish. Stunning! Drink now-2050+
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2009
Notable for being a very hot Bordeaux vintage, 1989 is also the year that the vines were hit by a violent hailstorm in July, which damaged the western half of the vineyard. Since the berries were still quite small and hard at that stage, the impact was minimized to about 20% crop loss overall. Thereafter, the vines soldiered on to produce a stunningly concentrated crop this year. Medium to deep gold colored, the 1989 d'Yquem is little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to give gorgeous dried mango, pineapple paste and candied peel scents with hints of praline, nutmeg, lemon butter and crème caramel plus a waft of crushed stones. The palate delivers powerful, wonderfully concentrated notes of dried stone fruits with provocative nutty nuances and a seamless acid backbone, packaged within a satiny texture and finishing on a lingering lemon tea and minerals note. The alcohol came in at 13.2% this year with a residual sugar of 126.5 grams per liter, and total acidity is 3.9 grams per liter H2SO4.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2019
The favorite sweet wine of millionaires, Chateau d'Yquem has, not unexpectedly, turned in a brilliant effort with their newly released 1989. It is a large-scaled, massively rich, unctuously-textured wine that should evolve effortlessly for a half century or more. It does not reveal the compelling finesse and complexity of the 1988 or 1986, but it is a far heavier, richer wine than either of those vintages. It is reminiscent of the 1976, with additional fat and glycerin. The wine is extremely alcoholic and rich, with a huge nose of smoky, honey-covered coconuts and overripe pineapples and apricots. As with most young vintages of Yquem, the wine's structure is barely noticeable. These wines are so highly extracted and rich yet approachable young, it is difficult to believe they will last for 50 or more years. The 1989 is the richest Yquem made in the eighties, and it has an edge in complexity over the powerhouse 1983. It remains to be seen whether this wine will develop the extraordinary aromatic complexity possessed by the promising 1988 and 1986 Yquems. Last tasted 11/97
Robert Parker Jr - Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition