d'Yquem Sauternes 1988 375ml

99 points Robert Parker: "The 1988 is a backward-styled Yquem, built along the lines of the extraordinary 1975. With a honeyed, smoky, orange/coconut/pineapple-scented nose, this powerful wine possesses full body, layers of highly concentrated, extracted flavors, considerable botrytis, and a sensational finish. Last tasted 12/97."

96 points Wine Spectator: "Lots of of beeswax, botrytis spice and honey, with hints of toffee. Full-bodied, very sweet, thick and layered. Caramel, toffee, spice. Molasses too. Very, very powerful. Muscular and rich. Fabulous Sauternes. Nothing comes close in this vintage. -'88/'98 Bordeaux retrospective (2008). Drink now. (2009)"

96 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 1988 Yquem is a vintage that I have drunk with enormous pleasure on numerous occasions. This last bottle was the perfect ending to a horizontal of 1988 Roumier wines at Noizé. It was a late harvest that lasted until All Saints Day (1 November). A total of 6 tries were necessary through the vineyard, each gifting plenty of botrytised fruit. Deep amber in hue, it offers wonderful aromas of mandarin, orange blossom, wax resin and a light adhesive scent. I was actually quite taken aback but the splendid delineation and life-affirming vitality of this example, hints of crème brûlée interwoven through the honeyed fruit, Clementine and hints of caramelised pear. It fans out wonderfully on the finish. Without doubt, this was the best bottle of 1988 Yquem that I have encountered. Drink: 2022-2050. (Apr 2022)"

19.5/20 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "A great Sauternes vintage I think. Another rich and deeply coloured wine, and there is no less impact on the nose, which shows a great, intense, concentrated pile of sweet fruit. On the palate, plenty of flesh, plenty of texture, this is a wine absolutely loaded with character but also showing great freshness and style. There is fabulous depth here, and this wine although divine in its composition now, another fine balance of rich sweetness and acidity, it has a huge amount of potential for the future. Truly remarkable. I find this much more impressive than my previous tasting in November 2004. (Jun 2008)"

5 stars, Michael Broadbent's Pocket Vintage Wine Companion: "Most recently, well-nigh perfect bottles, developing an amber tinge; bouquet of honey and apricots, enhanced by volatile acidity; fairly sweet, intensely rich, glorious flavour. Last tasted Nov 2005. Beginning o show its age but still superb."