Chateau de Fargues 2016

A powerful and profound sweet wine from Sauternes

Chateau de Fargues is truly a distinctive property in Sauternes. While the estate did not produce sweet white wines at the time of the 1855 classification (red grape vines were replaced by white grape varieties only at the beginning of the last century), this magnificent property has all the qualities of a Premier Cru Classe and for good reason. The Lur Saluces family, the historical owner of Chateau de Fargues, elevated Chateau d’Yquem to its current level of nobility and fame before selling it more recently to the luxury giant LVMH. At Chateau de Fargues, we find this same culture of excellence so dear to Chateau d'Yquem, and only the very best vintages, those that meet the high standards of the estate, ever make it into the bottle.

At this Sauternes property, the 2016 vintage will be remembered for a rather consistent and early ripening and botrytization of the fruit, resulting in an equally consistent and easy-to-understand wine profile. The cool and dry late season allowed the fruit to preserve its freshness, a feature which really comes through in a glass of Chateau de Fargues 2016.

Following 4 passes to harvest in the vineyards, the fruit (80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc) is fermented with indigenous yeasts for several weeks in barrels. A long aging time is another signature feature of the property, with the wines spending 30 months in barrels, of which around a third are new. After bottling, the wines spend another 6 months in bottle before being released on the market.

The Chateau de Fargues 2016 reveals a level of charm, elegance and generosity that will not soon be forgotten by those lucky enough to taste it. Bearing a beautiful deep golden color in the glass, aromas of yellow fruits, citrus and honey seduce the first nose. Elegant fragrances of linden and verbena add a touch of finesse to the bouquet. On the palate, the Chateau de Fargues 2016 unfurls a rich and voluptuous texture that is also very generous. The palate sets the scene for the above-mentioned freshness to perform its dramatic crescendo, which lasts well into the pure, mouth-watering and very persistent finish. The flavors seem to never completely fade away, but rather return again and again to haunt the palate with their exquisite, pure power.

When thinking about food pairings, forget dessert and opt for classics, like roast chicken. Better yet, surprise your guests by pairing this fine Sauternes with oysters, scallops and other shellfish. The perfect pairing to tart dishes, like a carpaccio of fish or scallops, this wine will add its touch of sweetness as a beautiful, unexpected surprise.