d'Yquem 1989 6000ml

Château d'Yquem, the only Sauternes classified Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855, made a hedonistic, richly botrytized wine in the hot 1989 vintage, and this bottle is an extraordinary 6-liter imperial. Both Jane Anson and Wine Advocate awarded it 99 points, with Wine Advocate calling it "a magical wine" and one of the high points of a full vertical tasting. Expect quince, apricot, pineapple and saffron layered with crème caramel, bitter orange peel and a whiff of black tea, the sweetness now framed by lively acidity and gentle spice. Made largely from Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc, it is drinking gloriously now, and in this large format it will continue to evolve for decades.