2007 - de Fargues, Sauternes

A renowned vintage in Sauternes, showcasing why this vintage of Fargues is so sought after. Burnt caramel, saffron, cumin, spiced almonds, candied ginger, gunsmoke, this dances across the palate and draws out into a long, bittersweet finish, endlessly spinning a new conversation. Intense and concentrated at 15 years old yet rising vertically through the palate, effortlessly impressive. Harvest September 11 through to October 12, six passes through the vines. Needs a good long carafe to open up. François Amirault winemaker.

The de Fargues 2007 delivers 13.9% alcohol and 134 grams of residual sugar. Picking commenced on September 11, with slow botrytis formation and recommenced October 2-24, the picking ale to be conducted at a relatively leisurely pace. It has a very typical de Fargues nose that has lost its tongue at first, but it opens up to reveal a slightly spirituous bouquet with clear honey, pressed flowers, almond and a distant scent of the sea. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and outstanding delineation. It is utterly harmonious with a thrilling, edgy finish that expresses the terroir with great clarity. There is an effervescent quality that really takes the 2007 to another level, while the marmalade and white pepper finish is powerful and leaves a lasting impression. This is a fabulous 2007, one of the wines of the vintage. Tasted April 2013.

Medium yellow-gold in color, the 2007 de Fargues opens with notes of brown sugar and toffee over a core of apple butter and dried persimmons with hints of quince paste and stewed tea. The palate carries loads of complex layers of flavor and a lively line of freshness, finishing on a lingering honey-nut note.

The 2007 Château de Fargues has a floral bouquet with clear honey, quince and saffron scents, initially timid yet blossoming with aeration. The palate is very well balanced, quite viscous and lightly spiced with decent acidity and hints of stem ginger towards the finish. Superb. Tasted at the 2007 horizontal in Sauternes.

Very complex and heady on the nose. A step up from most. Even the glass feels heavy. This is a really good Sauternes in the traditional mould. Great stuff! Mass above subtlety perhaps but tant mieux! Great energy. Lots to get your teeth into. Still a bit astringent but there is so much energy here... Pear juice. (JR)