Even as an avid Sauternes enthusiast, I never imagined my first bottle of Chateau d'Yquem would be a 1983 – came into it quite by happenstance (ordered a 1983 Suduiraut, was sent this, vendor told me to keep it!) I saved it for some time, waiting for the right special occasion, which presented itself finally this past weekend. Stored at 45 degrees. The cork and capsule were surprisingly intact given the age, and the cork came out relatively easily with an ah-so, fortunately! (I had to deal with less than cooperative corks with samplings of an 80 Climens and a 75 Guiraud)
Visually, a bold blood orange color with amber hues at the rim.
On the nose – well, I've been chasing after this effect for some time! After popping the cork, ethereal aromas of fresh mangoes, apricot marmalade, peaches, honey – which faded within moments of removing the cork. Afterwards, a nose of orange peel, figs, caramel, butterscotch, burnt sugar – faintly floral at the rim. I experienced this sensation only one other time, with that 1980 Climens barsac I mentioned earlier, and I've been dreaming of smelling it again ever since. Wonderful stuff. As if I freed the fruits from a long sentence in limbo and they returned to heaven (okay, this is excessive lol).
On the palate, definitely super smooth – not cloying at all – just recently I had that '75 Guiraud and it was noticeably thicker, this was much lighter in body. Still plenty of sweetness left, but only a mild acidity remained. Tasted of candies, toffee, warm peach preserves. An eternal finish. The adventure was over as soon as it started – the 375 barely lasted 30 minutes between my lady and I. A fantastic experience.
Well. Now what? I've been content with Suduiraut, Guiraud, Rieussec, Lafaurie Peyraguey all this time – and due to finances, I'll most likely stay in that realm – but wow. What a moment. I'll aim to find some 10-15 year old examples next. Next up in my aged Sauternes collection to try – a 1970 Suduiraut!
by JJxiv15
9 Comments
Lovely note. I had a bottle of this on its 40th year and have one bottle left – pride of place in my cellar.
For the next one I will try and enjoy it on its own. The last one was rather lost at the end of a meal
incredible notes, thank you for sharing!
What luck! Great that you were able to share it with your lady. I have always found Sauternes to be a real aphrodisiac.
Yes, the corks on old Sauternes can be a real pain sometimes.
About the viscosity, I am not surprised to hear that – Guiraud has a reputation as one of the thickest, along with Rieussec, and Yquem the least viscous. Yquem with 42 years on it: even lower viscosity. I find there is a time for both!
As far as more affordable alternatives… you might consider de Fargues.
What a happy accident for the wrong order!
Your passion for Sauternes and your enjoyment for this bottle was palpable. I recently opened a ‘19 Coutet just for funsies. Of course it was a bit simple at that young of an age but tons of fun.
I have a personal affection for Suduiraut btw
Loved this ‘83! Great choice.
> ordered a 1983 Suduiraut, was sent this, vendor told me to keep it!)
BANK ERROR IN YOUR FAVOR
You may enjoy this thread (warning: extremely expensive , extremely delicious rabbit-hole!)
https://www.wineberserkers.com/t/sauternes-et-al/289666
Well you went with a bang for your first yquem then! Unfortunately you have positioned yourself potentially alike to me in that even in a great Sauternes year, I find younger ones really underwhelming, about 88/86 and before is where I am enjoying now. Looking forward to your next one already?!
Awesome wine! Funny enough, my first Yquem was also 1983 and i drank it with my family last winter! Delicious stuff