Château de Fargues 1999

The de Fargues 1999 is described by the estate as a classic vintage that adheres to the adage “Aout fait le mout.” Two-thirds of the crop was picked in September after 8 days of rain propagated widespread noble rot. There is slightly lower residual sugar at 122-grams-per-liter. It has a more conservative, straight-laced bouquet compared to more recent vintages, revealing touches of ginger, dried honey, mandarin and a dab of alcohol. The palate is medium-bodied with a confident, viscous opening and a keen thread of acidity. Notes of mandarin, lemon peel, honeycomb and Indian spices inform the middle and finish that retains a sense of composure and linearity that suits it well. This is a very fine Sauternes for the vintage. Tasted April 2013.

Bright, brilliant yellow. A rich bouquet with pronounced sweetness: ripe apricots, apricot jelly, a delicate strawflower note, and a fine, racy attack. On the palate, a supple body combining character, finesse and fullness, with a beautifully layered interplay of acidity; again, plenty of ripe yellow fruit and a subtle minerality in the persistent finish. A still-young wine with enormous potential.

Bright, brilliant yellow. A rich bouquet, with a distinct sweetness recalling ripe apricots and apricot jam, a delicate strawflower note, and a refined opening. On the palate, the supple body combines verve, finesse and fullness, with a beautifully poised interplay of acidity; again, plenty of ripe yellow fruit, with a subtle minerality in the lingering finish. A still-young wine with a potential of at least 50 years.