d'Yquem Sauternes 1986

98 points Robert Parker (Bordeaux Book, 3rd ed.): "There is no other wine in the world like it, and there is no other luxury wine that can possibly justify its price as much as Yquem. The remarkable amount of painstaking labor necessary to produce the nectar known as Yquem is almost impossible to comprehend. This is a fascinating effort. With greater evidence of botrytis than the colossal 1983, but less power and alcohol, the 1986 Yquem tastes reminiscent of the 1975, only more precocious, as well as more concentrated. Several highly respected Bordeaux negociants who are Yquem enthusiasts claim the 1986 Yquem is the greatest wine produced at the property since the legendary 1937. Its enthralling bouquet of pineapples, sauteed hazelnuts, vanillin, and ripe apricots is breathtaking. Compellingly concentrated, the breadth as well as depth of flavor seemingly know no limits. This full-bodied, powerful, yet impeccably balanced Yquem should provide memorable drinking for 40-55 more years. Like the 1983, this is another winemaking tour de force. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2040. (Jan 1998)"

96 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc). A hot, dry summer in Sauternes, after a difficult early season, and this was one of the latest vintages on record, with harvest really getting underway after a rainy spell in late October, followed by a dry, sunny November that saw picking continue right through the month (the château remembers that much of it took place under a blanket of picturesque mist). The result is extremely impressive, and even now there is a youthful kick to this Yquem. Expect plenty of biting marmalade, pineapple and orange peel, dried fruits layered with truffles, saffran, lemon confit, salted caramel and grilled cumin. Alexandre de Lur Saluces was heading up the estate in 1986, as he had been since the 1960s. 100% new oak for ageing. Alcohol 13%. Drink: 2023-2040. (10/11/23)"

96 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "1986 d’Yquem offers the perfect balance of acidity and sweet, ripe, honeyed tropical fruit. Pineapples, crème brulee, apricots, honey, grilled nuts and vanilla with freshness, sweetness and lift. (Dec 2010)"

96 points La Revue du Vin de France (Jan 2003).

95 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted at the 1982 dinner at The Square. The ’86 continues to cruise at high altitude, an effortless Yquem that if anything is improving at nigh 25-years of age. It has a glorious, pure, honeyed bouquet with patisserie notes, almond flakes and coconut. The palate is supremely well balanced with great weight and poise, the acidity dialled to perfect. It does not quite have the profundity on the finish to consider it on par with say, the 1989 or 2001. But it is drinking perfectly now and will continue to cruise for many years yet. (7/30/12)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Pale to medium gold with a touch of amber in the color, the 1986 d'Yquem slowly expands in the glass with a powerful crescendo of orange marmalade, honeycomb, praline, and black tea followed by suggestions of brown sugar and toasted almonds. The palate appears fabulously savory, with a wicked backbone of acidity creating exhilarating tension, finishing long and nutty. The residual sugar is 96.9 g/l. Alcohol 14%. Drink 2024-2049. (6/20/24)"