I see Italian Wino is going to have a 1959 d'Yquem in November. At the offline 9 days ago, the subject of good years versus off years arose. I made a comment about liking some off years, especially when the wines were young, and wine + art chimed in also.

I've had the 1958 and 1959 d'Yquem at the same dinner, maybe 20 years ago. I prefered the 1958, a relative off year, especially in comparison with 1959, for its balance. I found the 1959 a bit cloying at that time.

At around the same time, we also attended a dinner where the 1975, 1976, and 1977 d'Yquem were opened, so they'd have been maybe 20-22 years old. Again, I preferred the off-year, 1977, for the same reason as above.

Would you say the wines from the good years weren't ready and possibly contributed to your preference?

Probably so with the wines from the 1970s, but the wines from 1950s were 30 years old, though I'm guessing the 1959 was still improving.

I've had some nice bordeaux from "off" years such as 83' and 85', and always shop around in off vintages as there are bound to be good wines made.

Personally, I'm glad to hear this. My early experiences with other wines is that in 'off-years,' great winemakers who put quality over quantity still manage to make great wines, often that drink well earlier. Thus my advocacy of verticals - not to beat a drum that I know is unpopular... I'm just sayin'.

Going to be opening a bottle of d'Yquem from the 50's (57 I think) and will report back after New Year's.

I dont do much Sauternes or Barsac, but I really liked many of the 98 Left Bank reds. Many estates made 50-50 cab/merlot blends because of late harvest rains. The Cos, Beychevelle, and Lynch-Badges are awsome wines that are drinking well now. I prefer them to some of the 95's and 96's that I have tasted in the last few years.

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At around the same time, we also attended a dinner where the 1975, 1976, and 1977 d'Yquem were opened, so they'd have been maybe 20-22 years old. Again, I preferred the off-year, 1977, for the same reason as above.

If I posted this, I think your advice to me would be....

You drank these great vintages way to young and they were closed. It's no wonder you liked the off years. d'Yquem in a great year needs 30-50 years to come around! When will you ever learn...

You just can't let it go can you?
Go visit one of those medical marijuana joints in San Fran and take a load off!!!

Enough is Enough!!

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You just can't let it go can you?
Go visit one of those medical marijuana joints in San Fran and take a load off!!!

I couldn't resist on this...he just doesn't realize how he sets himself up....I wish I could say I feel bad....I'll give it a rest now. Despite whatever bitter remarks follow...

What a great question Board-O, and I know there are a number of learned forum members here that will offer opinions.

Have I enjoyed several great vintages of Sauternes/Barsacs...indeed. (See '67 d'Yquem, '47 d'Yquem, '59 d'Yquem and others) I have said in the past and will argue that I have found MANY quote off vintages hit my palate better often.

I did indeed offer this opinion to Board-O and stand by such an opinion.

The '57,'71,86 and '49 jump out as excellent years that drank/drink well without great acclaim.

I'm not a fan of cloying wines!

Well, I like many just wish you guys could resolve your differences. Since the whole spat started on a professional level, I guess that won't happen.

I will say, from a personal level, Board-O does know when a wine is ready.

Granted I don't buy wines that need 15+ years to reach maturity since I'm just not a patient person. When you buy primarily domestic wines, there's no need to do so...and well....I have a local restaurant that satisfy my aged craving.

That said...you are more than welcome to come and enjoy the Gulf Beaches of Florida and I'd love to enjoy a nice bottle or two with you at Berns.

My humble opinion is that some people prefer their wines a bit less sweet than do most others.

"Off-year" is like the "good wine/bad wine" problem posed by another poster.

Or maybe I'm just over-thinking this.

The only Yquem I ever owned was a 93. A particularly off year. It cost at least 2x to 3x what a 1er or 2me cru from a good vintage cost and was not wort it.

Since Sauternes is such a bargain I've never seen much point in taking the risk of purchasing "off" years.

Of course I would never be so churlish as to refuse a glass of Yquem, regardless of vintage.

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Originally posted by dr.darkrichandbold:
d'Yquem in a great year needs 30-50 years to come around!

Blatantly incorrect, but perfectly within character.

has anybody tried the 97 d'yquem know where it'll go?

early drinker or late ager?

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Blatantly incorrect, but perfectly within character.

It wasn't meant to be correct....so you know...

I've seen a fair amount of Sauternes still on the shelves from vintages like 96,98,00,02 and some 04. What do people think of these vintages? I just bought an 02 Suduiraut and would like to purchase some others.

I've had the '98 Yquem a few times now, and absolutely love it! JS has found it to be a vintage of big bottle variation and is not fond of it. However, I've yet to find that the case, personally and, in fact have had better experiences with this vintage than some others more highly rated. An under rated vintage and, while not 'cheap', the prices are in line with such. Seek it out.

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Originally posted by khmark7:
I've seen a fair amount of Sauternes still on the shelves from vintages like 96,98,00,02 and some 04. What do people think of these vintages? I just bought an 02 Suduiraut and would like to purchase some others.

I bought some 02 Rieussec and was very happy with it.

My understanding (I haven't very had many wines from the period) is that the vintages 1995-2000 were all fairly run-of-the-mill with nothing particularly outstanding, but if the price is good, go for it. I think 2002 will end up being a bit like 1989 - a decent year that's overshadowed by the vintages on either side.