1997 Chateau d'Yquem 375ml Half Bottle

375ml Half Bottle.

Overview

Château d'Yquem occupies a unique position in Sauternes as the only estate classified Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification. The 1997 vintage is a highly acclaimed and exceptionally long-lived expression, earning a perfect 20/20 from La Revue du Vin de France alongside scores of 98 and 97 points from other critics.

Vintage

The 1997 growing season began with very high temperatures, with flowering taking place exceptionally early on 5 May. Harvest commenced on 4 September, a record at Yquem, before picking was halted for two months as morning mists were insufficient for the development of botrytis. The prolonged harvest ultimately required seven passes and 32 days of picking, finishing on 4 November.

Winemaking

The wine was barrel fermented and aged for 36 months in new French oak.

Critic Reviews

20/20 — La Revue du Vin de France
Tasted January 2011

98/100 — The Wine Front

97/100 — The Wine Palate
Tasted May 2025

97/100 — The Wine Independent
Tasted June 2024

97/100 — Anthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine
“One of the fabulous ‘7’ years as in '97, '67, '47, '27 and now, as suggested by winemaker Pierre Lurton, the upcoming 2007. Amazingly, this wine spent 42 months in new oak something Lurton says will not happen with the '07. The '97 is rich to the level of unctuous, but as usual, with the required acidity to balance the package. Slightly closed nose but with time in the glass you taste and smell the honey, mandarin and sensational fruit flecked with orange bits. There is extravagant texture and body here that is destined to live a long time in bottle.”
Tasted May 2008

Awards

3 Stars Coup de Cœur — Le Guide Hachette des Vins
Awarded 2003

Specifications

• Vintage: 1997
• Producer: Château d'Yquem
• Grape Variety: Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
• Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Premier Cru Supérieur
• Alcohol: 13–13.9%
• Sweetness: Sweet
• Fermentation: Barrel Fermented
• Maturation: 36 Months in New French Oak
• Harvest: 4 September–4 November 1997
• Drinking Window: 2024–2055