De Fargues Sauternes – Half bottle – 2004

Chateau de Fargues is a beautiful property situated in an extraordinary fortress palace. It was purchased by the Lur Saluces family (who also own Chateau d’Yquem) in 1472, making it easily one of the oldest chateaux in Bordeaux.

Their sweet Sauternes wines are made by the same team who make sister property d’Yquem, with all the same meticulous care in the vineyards and winery. This is always one of the finest and most elegant and balanced Sauternes, and in the cool, fairly wet year of 2004 they produced possibly THE star Sauternes of the vintage.

“The 2004 Chateau de Fargues is a fantastic wine for the vintage and should not be overlooked. It boasts a heavenly bouquet with touches of white chocolate, dried honey, marmalade and quince that opens exuberantly with aeration. The palate is extremely well-balanced with a fine line of acidity. There is certainly very good weight here, similar to the Doisy-Vedrines, albeit packed with greater sophistication and breeding. It builds gloriously in the mouth toward its tender praline and honey finish, which lingers long in the mouth. This is a superb and perhaps overlooked Chateau de Fargues. Drink now-2035. Tasted February 2014.” 95/100 Wine Advocate