Château d'Yquem 1979 Sauternes (37.5cl, 13.5%)

Château d'Yquem 1979 is a Sauternes from Bordeaux, in a 37.5cl half bottle at about 13.5% ABV. The estate is the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification of Sauternes and Barsac. The blend is roughly 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, picked over five to six passes across six weeks to take only grapes at the right stage of noble rot. Yields are around 8 hectolitres per hectare. After three pressings the juice went into oak barrels for about three years before bottling. The nose shows smoke, dry caramel, beeswax, ripe exotic fruit, orange peel and honey. The palate is full, with caramel, butterscotch and almond, held in tension by acidity. The finish is moderate and gently drying, with candle wax and caramelised honey.