D'Yquem Sauternes 1er Cru 1981

Category:
 
Sweet Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
D'Yquem
Label Name:
 
Sauternes 1er Cru
Vintage:
 
1981
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Sauternes, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Sémillon (≈80%), Sauvignon Blanc (≈20%)
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
5
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
8-10°C

Awards/Ratings
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 90/100; Neal Martin (eRobertParker) 94–96/100 (selected tastings); Decanter ~88/100; Wine Spectator ~80/100; retailers note maturity window historically cited as ready/mature (1984–2014)

Tasting Note
Honeyed apricot, orange marmalade, candied citrus, honey and vanilla with toasted oak and baking spices. Viscous, concentrated sweetness framed by bright acidity and a remarkably long, evolving finish of caramel, dried fruit and nutty tertiary notes.

Food Pairing
Western: foie gras, Roquefort/blue cheese, crème brûlée, fruit tarts, tarte Tatin. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (Cantonese roast pork), richer sushi/seared fatty fish, spicy Thai curry or Malaysian laksa (contrast with sweetness), dim sum with sweet‑savory sauces.

Production Method
Multiple selective passes to pick botrytized grapes, pressed and fermented in oak, then aged in oak barrels for ~2–3 years to achieve concentrated residual sugar and complexity.

Vineyard Info
Château d'Yquem — the only 1855 Premier Cru Supérieur in Sauternes. Historic Lur‑Saluces estate, renowned for botrytized sweet wines; now owned by LVMH and celebrated for exceptional ageing potential.