1986 d'Yquem
By Chateau d'Yquem
1986 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux
In the annals of enological history, the majestic Sauternes of Bordeaux have etched their narrative with a golden quill. Among them, the 1986 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem shines with an auriferous glow that captures both the spirit of the vintage and the resilience of this celebrated terroir.
Vintage Vibrancy: The 1986 Harvest
The 1986 harvest was one marked by capricious weather, a drama that played out in the vineyards of Sauternes with a resultant intricate display of botrytis cinerea—the noble rot—essential for crafting the luxurious sweet wines of the region. The 1986 d'Yquem stands as a testament to the prowess of this esteemed estate to sculpt such climatic theatre into bottles of sumptuous liquid narrative.
From Harvest to Heirloom: Tasting Notes on an Age-Worthy Investment
This storied vintage offers an amalgamation of intense aromas, with acacia honey, dried apricot, and marzipan on the nose leading to a palate where opulent stone fruit flavours dominate. Crystallised citrus peels infused with threads of ginger and vanilla grace the taste buds, whilst a peerless balance between sweetness and acidity ensures a finish that dances long after the wine has departed. One notes that time has imbued the 1986 d'Yquem with a tertiary complexity; hints of saffron and toasted almond now emerge to tantalise seasoned collectors and investors alike.
As a connoisseur whose life's work is to chronicle such liquid treasures, I can affirm that the 1986 d'Yquem sustains its reputation as an investment-grade asset, maturing with grace and offering nuanced layers of flavours that few wines can rival.
In Summary: The Essence of 1986
To indulge in a glass of the 1986 d'Yquem from Chateau d'Yquem is akin to sipping on sunbeams caught in amber droplets—a vinous reverie par excellence. Its longevity is without question; offering potential rewards not only as a captivating drink but also as a judicious addition to any fine wine investment portfolio. In every sense, this vintage encapsulates an era where nature challenged man to create art—and so art was made.
Market price (USD)
$5,000.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
227.78
Scores and tasting notes
With greater evidence of botrytis than the colossal 1983, but less power and alcohol, the 1986 d'Yquem tastes reminiscent of the 1975, only more precocious. Several highly respected Bordeaux negociants who are d'Yquem enthusiasts had claimed the 1986 d'Yquem was the greatest wine produced at the property since the legendary 1937. However, after the release of the 1988 they concluded that the 1988 surpassed even the 1986. The 1986's enthralling bouquet of pineapples, sauteed hazelnuts, vanillin, and ripe apricots is breathtaking. Compellingly concentrated, its breadth as well as depth of flavor seemingly know no limits. This full-bodied, powerful, yet impeccably elegant d'Yquem should provide memorable drinking for 40-55 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2040. Last tasted, 7/93.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #88 August 1993
There is no other wine in the world like it, and there is no other luxury wine that can possibly justify its price as much as Yquem. The remarkable amount of painstaking labor necessary to produce the nectar known as Yquem is almost impossible to comprehend. This is a fascinating effort. With greater evidence of botrytis than the colossal 1983, but less power and alcohol, the 1986 Yquem tastes reminiscent of the 1975, only more precocious, as well as more concentrated. Several highly respected Bordeaux negociants who are Yquem enthusiasts claim the 1986 Yquem is the greatest wine produced at the property since the legendary 1937. Its enthralling bouquet of pineapples, sauteed hazelnuts, vanillin, and ripe apricots is breathtaking. Compellingly concentrated, the breadth as well as depth of flavor seemingly know no limits. This full-bodied, powerful, yet impeccably balanced Yquem should provide memorable drinking for 40-55 more years. Like the 1983, this is another winemaking tour de force. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2040. Last tasted, 4/91.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 1997
Tasted at the 1982 dinner at The Square. The '86 continues to cruise at high altitude, an effortless Yquem that if anything is improving at nigh 25-years of age. It has a glorious, pure, honeyed bouquet with patisserie notes, almond flakes and coconut. The palate is supremely well balanced with great weight and poise, the acidity dialled to perfect. It does not quite have the profundity on the finish to consider it on par with say, the 1989 or 2001. But it is drinking perfectly now and will continue to cruise for many years yet. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2012