Château de Fargues 2005
A true jewel of the Lur Saluces family, the historic owners of Yquem, Château de Fargues has for generations embodied the excellence of traditional Sauternes, where time and patience forge greatness. Located on the heights of the village of Fargues, the estate benefits from an exceptional terroir of perfectly drained clay-sand gravel, conducive to the development of botrytis cinerea, the famous "noble fungus" at the origin of the magic of Bordeaux's sweet wines.
The 2005 vintage, sunny and exemplary in its consistency, offered ideal conditions: alternating misty mornings and warm afternoons, conducive to a slow and even botrytis. The grapes, harvested manually in several successive selections, achieved a rare concentration, giving birth to a wine of remarkable purity and aromatic intensity. The long aging in oak barrels (around three years) refines the substance and enhances the complexity of the wine without altering its freshness.
The deep, luminous gold color heralds a wine of majestic richness. The nose unfolds a sumptuous bouquet of acacia honey, candied apricot, orange zest, ripe mango, and vanilla, enhanced with a hint of saffron and a hint of mineral and spice. On the palate, the texture is ample, silky, and beautifully balanced: the liqueur melts into a crystalline freshness that sustains the wine to a seemingly endless finish, vibrant with candied fruit, honey, and dried fruit. The balance between power and tension is the hallmark of great Sauternes.
This 2005 Château de Fargues is best enjoyed today at its peak of maturity, but its aging potential remains immense: it will continue to evolve harmoniously over several decades. At the table, it pairs perfectly with pan-fried foie gras, roasted farm-raised chicken with mild spices, blue-veined cheese, or a fruity and tangy dessert. It is also a wine for meditation, to be savored on its own, slowly, as a total sensory experience.
Grape varieties: 80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc.
