1996 Chateau d’Yquem Premier Cru Superieur, Sauternes 1x75cl

Neal Martin 93

The 1996 Yquem is a vintage I have not tasted for a wee while, and it has not previously appeared in Vinous’ expansive database. I tasted two bottles. The first, opened in New York, paled against the 2006 Yquem opened alongside. A curious showing. The second, opened a few weeks later, is much better. This is much purer on the nose than previous examples, delivering wild honey, mirabelle plum, saffron and barley sugar with fine delineation. The palate is elegant with a crisp line of acidity, clementine mingling with freshly cut ginger and apricot. The finish shows commendable intensity. This is much more like it! Tasted at the chateau. [Neal Martin, 31/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2046

Wine Advocate 95

Tasted single blind at Farr’s 2005 dinner in Hong Kong. It is a while since I last tasted this vintage. Like before, the nose is tightly coiled and demands coaxing from the glass, but eventually it yields and offers a lovely bouquet of wild honey, honeysuckle, lemon curd and barleysugar. The palate is more tensile then I remember on the entry, with a keen thread of acidity and notes of mandarin, Seville orange, tinned apricot and honey, hints of almond sprinkled over the finish. It does not quite have the complexity of a top flight Yquem, but it is still a great Sauternes for long-term consideration. Tasted November 2011. [Neal Martin, 01/11/2011]

JancisRobinson.com 18

A fresh vintage like the 2006. Even deeper orange than the 2006 served alongside with an intense, drier finish. Saffron notes and something a little smoky along with a green leafiness. The finish has a lightly bitter note – not unlike a dark marmalade. A fine Yquem to serve with a savoury main course. (JR) [04/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2008-2034