Chateau d'Yquem - 1bt each 1998, 2003, 2006 |
The weather was not very sunny, but especially warm, with drought conditions and a heat wave that brought on early bud break. Rain in the first two weeks of September gave rise to botrtyis in grapes that became concentrated thanks to easterly winds. Showers nevertheless interrupted picking for an entire month. The second pass was as plentiful as the first. 1998 Yquem is very seductive and it is said that it is two vintages in one.
The nose is pleasant, elegant and fruity. It expresses notes of exotic fruits (mango, pineapple), flowers, vanilla and slightly pear and caramel. The palate is intense, fruity, very syrupy but well-balanced ease thanks to a little acidity. In mouth fruits notes are well defined. It includes notes of pineapple, mango and pineapple.
This is the rich wine of the vintage. With its intensen fruit, piles of spice, but excellent balance, this promises flavors of baked apples and intense dried fruits. The botrytis layer is discreet, a hint rather than overpowering.