"The nose is very pure, with honey, passion fruit and quince, whilst the palate demonstrates great freshness and vitality, zippy acidity, with real race towards the linear finish. This holds great promise for the future."

"There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem. ...Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"This is an outstanding Yquem, surpassed only by the 2001 during this decade. The nose is very pure, understated at first, unfurling with aeration in the glass, offering honey, acacia, Mirabelle and a hint of apple blossom. The palate has a viscous entry, very pure with honey, white peach, fresh pear, lemon and orange zest, a tangible sense of vibrancy and vigour. Not a powerful Yquem, but one of incisive focus and nervosite, very pure botrytis, adorned with an almost tense zesty finish that succinctly counterpoises the residual sugar."