Beschreibung:

CHATEAU D'YQUEM Yquem came into the Lur-Saluces family by marriage in 1785. This illustrious estate remained under family control until 1996 when family shareholders sold their majority to LVMH. The modern era of the estate was lead by the very capable Comte Alexandre de Lur-Saluces whose astute managment over saw many of the last century's greatest Yquem vintages, 1967, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1986, 1988 and the now legendary 1990. Comte Alexandre was the 6th generation of the Lur-Saluces family to watch over this dynasty. The whole domaine comprises the finest 465 acres in all of Sauternes to which just under 280 acres are planted exclusively to Sémillon and Sauvignon. The exceptional quality of the wine can be attributed to several factors. First, the very nature of the soil which, lying often on clay, has to be well drained, in part to the admirable way the estate's slopes are exposed, especially the very severe way the grapes are selected, and of course to the meticulous care taken in cultivating the vines, picking the grapes and making the wine. Only that part of the crop judged to be perfect is bottled under the Château grand vin label and in some years the entire crop is declassified, as it was in 1964, 1972, 1974, and 1992. It is this constant attention to detail and the very great care taken to make sure the wine is of top quality which enabled Yquem, in the 1855 classification, to be given the title "Premier Cru Supérieur." PLEASE INSERT MAP OF SAUTERNES AS QUARTER PAGE Château d'Yquem--Vintage 1865 Sauternes, 1er grand cru classé Level: upper/mid shoulder; partly missing label, heavily bin soiled label, dark mahogany color, Bottled in Bordeaux "Most recently: showing its age on the nose, caramelized yet somehow correct. Last tasted September 1998. *****" MB, Vintage Wine 1 bottle per lot