Chateau d’Yquem has just released its 1999 vintage – at one of the most reasonable prices ever.

Described by UK merchants Berry Brothers as ‘not a staggering tour de force, far more a wine of restrained elegance and finesse,’ the world-renowned Sauternes will sell for around £66 (€96) a bottle – a ‘fantastic price’.

Steven Browett at Farr Vintners concurs: ‘I think it’s the cheapest Yquem ever released.’

Berrys’ says the wine will be ‘an early drinker’ and describes it as having ‘a heady sweet nose of honeyed tropical fruits, peaches, coconut, and a noticeable hint of fresh apricots. Subtle toasty oak is well-integrated on the palate with layers of overly ripe white peaches, melon, spice and orange marmalade flavours and a long, lingering purity which is mouthwatering. What is also remarkable is that it’s going to be an early drinker too and at a fantastic price.’

Chateau d’Yquem had a good deal of publicity in May with the very public compulsory retirement by owners LVMH of Alexandre Lur Saluces, the head of the ancient family that had controlled the property for centuries.

Pierre Lurton of Chateau Cheval Blanc is now running the chateau.

Written by Adam Lechmere

Adam Lechmere
Adam Lechmere
Decanter Magazine, Wine Editor & Writer

Adam Lechmere is consultant editor of Club Oenologique among other things.

Formerly launch editor of Decanter.com, which he edited until 2011, he has been writing about wine for 20 years, contributing to Decanter, World of Fine Wine, Meininger’s, the Guardian and many others. Before joining the wine world he worked for the BBC, and as a music and film gossip journalist.