1981 Chateau d'Yquem 750ml
*We offer Free Shipping over $300! (Excl. NT)
Château d’Yquem is the crown jewel of Sauternes and the only estate classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855. Known for its meticulous selection and ability to craft wines of extraordinary longevity, Yquem has stood as the benchmark for the world’s greatest sweet wines for centuries.
Vineyard
The estate sits on the highest point of Sauternes, where its gravelly, clay-limestone soils and unique microclimate encourage noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Each harvest involves multiple vineyard passes, ensuring only perfectly botrytised berries are selected, leading to low yields but remarkable concentration and complexity.
Vintage
1981 was a challenging and cooler year in Bordeaux, though in Sauternes, careful selection produced elegant, lighter-styled Yquem. It is not as rich or powerful as the greatest vintages, but the 1981 stands out for its balance, charm, and refined expression of botrytis.
Tasting Notes
Now fully mature, the 1981 Yquem shows deep amber-gold hues. The bouquet opens with dried apricot, orange marmalade, honey, and candied ginger, layered with caramel, almond, and a touch of saffron. The palate is silky and medium-bodied, offering flavours of toffee, roasted nuts, citrus peel, and sweet spice, lifted by lively acidity that prevents heaviness. The finish is elegant, lingering, and complex.
Critics’ Acclaim
-
90 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
-
Admired for its finesse and balance, making it a classic example of an elegant rather than opulent Yquem.
Technical Information
-
Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
-
Classification: Premier Cru Supérieur
-
Blend: Predominantly Sémillon, with Sauvignon Blanc
-
Alcohol: ~13–14%
-
Maturation: Around 3 years in new French oak barrels
-
Closure: Cork
-
Drinking Window: 1990–2025 (showing peak maturity now)
A Collectible Gem
The 1981 Château d’Yquem is a rare, fully mature vintage that exemplifies the estate’s elegance and precision in a challenging year. For collectors, it offers a unique opportunity to own and taste a refined chapter in Yquem’s history.
🚛We offer Free Shipping for orders over $300 to All States (excl. NT).
🛻We offer Free Local Delivery for orders over $200 to nearby areas.
(Local Delivery option will appear at checkout if your address is within the eligible delivery range, basically 15-20km delivery radius)
It typically takes 1-3 business days to process orders before dispatch. Delivery usually takes 1-7 business days depending on your location. We’re doing our best to get your order to you as quickly as possible!
*Delivery times may vary depending on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout.
For Pre-Order Items:
Orders containing pre-order items will be shipped once all items are ready, ensuring a single consolidated delivery. Customers can expect their orders to be dispatched promptly upon product availability. Our pre-order products are generally ready for dispatch within one week of order placement.
Tracking your order:
You will receive a confirmation email containing a tracking ID and a link to follow the journey of your package once we fulfill your order.
Please allow 1 to 3 working days for the tracking information to show.
Wrong address disclaimer:
It is the responsibility of the buyer to make sure that the shipping address entered is correct. We do our best to speed up processing and shipping time, so there is always a small window to correct an incorrect shipping address. Please contact us immediately at sales@craftrepublic.com.au or 0456 948 270 if you believe you have provided an incorrect shipping address.
Returns:
Please refer to our Refund Policy for further information on how to make a return.
Lost/Stolen Packages:
If your tracking information states that your package was delivered to your address and you have not received it, please report it to your respective shipping carrier at the information provided to you on our Tracking Page. If you have any further questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our customer support team at sales@craftrepublic.com.au or 0456 948 270.
Pre-order products are typically available for dispatch within one week of order placement.
Most pre-order items are ready to ship within a week of purchase. If your order contains a pre-order item, we’ll hold your order until everything is ready so you receive all your items together. Don’t worry — we’ll dispatch your order as soon as possible, and you’ll have your wines in hand shortly after!