Ch.D'Yquem 1985 750ml

Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition Jan 1998
The 1985 Yquem is a very powerful, rich, exceptionally concentrated wine. Yet because of the lack of botrytis in the vineyards during this hot, dry vintage, the wine does not have the complexity so frequently encountered. Nevertheless, this massive, unctuous, light golden-colored Yquem makes quite a mouthful of wine given the honeyed flavors. It is hard to know when a wine such as this will be fully mature, but I have no hesitation saying that the wine will certainly last for 25-30 or more years. But I do not see it ever being among the great Yquems. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025. Last tasted, 3/90.

Chateau d'Yquem is often described as the greatest sweet wine in the world. After centuries of family ownership, Yquem was finally sold in acrimonious circumstances to Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy in 1999. However, its former owner and director Alexandre de Lur-Saluce remains in charge.
Yquem is located on the highest hill in Sauternes and enjoys the best growing conditions in the whole appellation. The 110-hectare vineyard is planted with 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Only fully botrytized fruit is picked by the 150 highly skilled pickers and yields are so low that each vine produces only one glass of wine.
Yquem is fermented in oak barrels (100% new) and is left in barriques to mature for up to 36 months. Intensely opulent when young, Yquem develops an extraordinary complexity and exotic richness when fully mature, with the best vintages lasting for over 50 years. Château d'Yquem is classified as a 1er Cru Classé supérieur.

Cheese, Blue Cheeses