1989 Chateau d'Yquem

Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon

France / Bordeaux / Graves  / Sauternes

$625
RP 99
V 97
Size:
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Availability: 2

1er Grand Cru Classé Supérieur

1989 Chateau d’Yquem – Benchmark Sauternes of Power and Longevity

The 1989 Chateau d’Yquem stands among the estate’s most profound late-20th-century expressions, illustrating the extraordinary balance between richness and structure that defines this singular Premier Cru Superieur. Produced in Sauternes under exceptional conditions, the wine reflects both the generosity of the vintage and the discipline that has long set d’Yquem apart.

Tasting Notes

The aromatics unfold with layers of apricot, pineapple, orange peel, and honey, complemented by saffron and toasted almond. On the palate, the wine is remarkably concentrated yet lifted, with vibrant acidity providing clarity and momentum. Notes of candied citrus, stone fruit, and caramelized sugar carry through a long, seamless finish that continues to evolve decades after harvest.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Predominantly Semillon with a smaller proportion of Sauvignon Blanc, the 1989 was harvested in multiple passes to capture grapes at optimal botrytized maturity. Fermentation and aging in new French oak barrels added structure without overpowering the fruit. The estate’s gravel and clay soils, combined with meticulous selection, contributed to the wine’s precision and longevity.

Investment & Collectibility

Chateau d’Yquem remains one of the most consistently traded and globally recognized sweet wines in the world. The 1989 vintage is especially prized for its balance and durability, maintaining strong demand among collectors seeking proven long-term cellar performance.

Vintage Insights & Accolades

The 1989 growing season provided ideal conditions for noble rot development, resulting in exceptional concentration paired with freshness. Critics have repeatedly highlighted this wine as one of the estate’s standout modern-era releases.


Explore Related Collections

RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

One of the high points of this vertical tasting, the 1989 d'Yquem is a magical wine offering up a complex, refined bouquet with aromas of quince, apricot, pineapple, menthol, flowers and white truffles, followed by a full-bodied, concentrated and seamless palate, pure and vibrant structure and lively acids, concluding with a long, perfumed, ethereal finish. Reviewed by Yohan Castaing, Issue date: October 2023. Drinking window: 2023 - 2050.
V 97

Vinous

To finish, back on “home turf” with the 1989 Yquem. It is a vintage I have drunk many times in recent years: quince, apricots, honey and saffron burst forth on the nose with brilliant delineation. The palate is a little tauter than in previous bottles, with marmalade and quince to the fore and an energetic, poised, intense finish that lingers in the mouth. It's not the best bottle I’ve had, but it's not far off! Reviewed by Neal Martin, Issue date: September 2024. Drinking window: 2024 - 2060.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

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International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

One of the high points of this vertical tasting, the 1989 d'Yquem is a magical wine offering up a complex, refined bouquet with aromas of quince, apricot, pineapple, menthol, flowers and white truffles, followed by a full-bodied, concentrated and seamless palate, pure and vibrant structure and lively acids, concluding with a long, perfumed, ethereal finish. Reviewed by Yohan Castaing, Issue date: October 2023. Drinking window: 2023 - 2050.
V 97

Vinous

To finish, back on “home turf” with the 1989 Yquem. It is a vintage I have drunk many times in recent years: quince, apricots, honey and saffron burst forth on the nose with brilliant delineation. The palate is a little tauter than in previous bottles, with marmalade and quince to the fore and an energetic, poised, intense finish that lingers in the mouth. It's not the best bottle I’ve had, but it's not far off! Reviewed by Neal Martin, Issue date: September 2024. Drinking window: 2024 - 2060.

1989 Chateau d’Yquem – Benchmark Sauternes of Power and Longevity

The 1989 Chateau d’Yquem stands among the estate’s most profound late-20th-century expressions, illustrating the extraordinary balance between richness and structure that defines this singular Premier Cru Superieur. Produced in Sauternes under exceptional conditions, the wine reflects both the generosity of the vintage and the discipline that has long set d’Yquem apart.

Tasting Notes

The aromatics unfold with layers of apricot, pineapple, orange peel, and honey, complemented by saffron and toasted almond. On the palate, the wine is remarkably concentrated yet lifted, with vibrant acidity providing clarity and momentum. Notes of candied citrus, stone fruit, and caramelized sugar carry through a long, seamless finish that continues to evolve decades after harvest.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Predominantly Semillon with a smaller proportion of Sauvignon Blanc, the 1989 was harvested in multiple passes to capture grapes at optimal botrytized maturity. Fermentation and aging in new French oak barrels added structure without overpowering the fruit. The estate’s gravel and clay soils, combined with meticulous selection, contributed to the wine’s precision and longevity.

Investment & Collectibility

Chateau d’Yquem remains one of the most consistently traded and globally recognized sweet wines in the world. The 1989 vintage is especially prized for its balance and durability, maintaining strong demand among collectors seeking proven long-term cellar performance.

Vintage Insights & Accolades

The 1989 growing season provided ideal conditions for noble rot development, resulting in exceptional concentration paired with freshness. Critics have repeatedly highlighted this wine as one of the estate’s standout modern-era releases.


Explore Related Collections

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