Yquem 1983

A wine that is just hitting its adolescence, this spectacular Yquem is the greateat vintage of the early 1980s and the best Yquem since 1976 and before the trilogy of 1990, 1989, and 1988. The wine has a medium-gold color and an extraordinary nose of honey-dripped coconuts, pineapple, caramel, crème brulee, orange marmalade, and no doubt a few other items. Unctuously textured and full-bodied, with massive richness and great sweetness, this is a seamless classic that will probably be immortal. My point score continues to go up, but the wine still is young, although I would call it just approaching its adolescence. Anticipated maturity 2005 - 2075. Last tasted, 3/02.

The 1983 Yquem is one of the standouts from the decade. Winemaker Sandrine Garbay brought a bottle to our London tasting but unfortunately it was obviously corked. Fortunately, a friend opened another that chimed with my previous encounters. This underwent a long harvest thanks to the clement weather from 29 September until 19 November. It has a dense, marmalade, quince and orange rind-scented bouquet with just a hint of burnt toffee. The palate is very intense and concentrated, powerful with that marmalade theme continuing, flanked by Manuka honey, crème brûlée and tinned apricot. It comes across slightly Germanic towards the finish that fans out gloriously. Divine. Tasted blind at a private dinner in Bordeaux.

Coppery tawny, rose petals on the nose. Great vivacity. Real punch. Lots of acidity but lots of attack too. Exciting. Ripe pears - very exciting. But not one of the richest - a little nervy. Will never be a heavyweight.Drink 1998-2025Date tasted 13th Feb 08

The 1983 is among the most concentrated wines from this property over the last 20 years, with a staggering display of extract and a mind-boggling amount of glycerin. The vintage commenced early for Yquem, beginning on September 29 and finishing on November 18. Most observers feel the 1983 will mature more slowly than the 1986, and will last for almost 100 years. Given Yquem's unbelievable aging potential, such comments do not seem far fetched. At present, the 1983 is enormous, with huge, honeyed, pineapple, coconut, and caramel flavors, massive extract, and an unctuous quality barely framed by acidity and new oak. I do not feel the wine has changed since bottling, and I would not want to start drinking it for at least another 10-15 years