1980 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes, France

Half bottle from previous private cellar. “Perfect mature nose displaying bright and decadent yellow fruit, dry peach, mango, apricot preserves, noticeable botrytis, ginger candy, honey, crème brûlée and saffron. Beautifully integrated palate, very finely layered slightly dry yellow fruit, silky and weightless, bright acidity and mineral, and a long sweet yellow fruit driven finish with saffron and honey at the end. IMO, the 80 top Sauternes are excellent, showing generous fruit and exceptional balance. Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, the 80 is a poor red Bordeaux vintage and the 80 Sauternes often get dismissed. This is an excellent classic Yquem that is drinking beautifully.”