Château de Fargues 2005

The richness and refinement of a sweet wine from Sauternes by Château de Fargues

The estate

Château de Fargues is a completely unique property in Sauternes. Although the estate did not produce sweet white wine at the time of the 1855 classification (the red grape vines were replaced by white grape varieties at the beginning of the last century), this magnificent property has all the hallmarks of a Premier Cru Classé. And for good reason: the de Lur Saluces family, historic owners of Château de Fargues, established the reputation of Château d'Yquem before more recently selling it to luxury giant LVMH. Thus, at Château de Fargues, we find this culture of excellence so dear to Château d'Yquem, and only vintages that meet the property's exacting standards are released in bottle.

The vineyard
The Sauternes wine region benefits from clay-limestone and gravelly terroir particularly conducive to the development of noble rot. The plots are planted predominantly with Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc. These grape varieties develop slowly until reaching an exceptional level of maturity, promoting the appearance of botrytis cinerea, that famous noble rot which characterizes the great sweet wines of the appellation.

The vintage

The year 2005 was marked both by a water deficit of 40% compared to normal and by temperatures regularly exceeding the norm by approximately 2°C. The qualitative and homogeneous flowering in early June preceded a hot and dry summer, but without excess. The rapid development of botrytis expected following the rainy episodes of early September was slowed by cold and windy weather persisting until the end of September, marked by the return of favorable conditions. Carried out through successive selective pickings, the harvest yielded grapes that revealed powerful and fresh musts during vinification. Rich and concentrated, 2005 echoes the 2003, 2001, 1990, and 1989 vintages.

Blend

This Château de Fargues 2005 is made from a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Characteristics and tasting notes for Château de Fargues 2005

Tasting

Nose
Refined and expressive, the nose combines with freshness and indulgence fragrances of flowers, linden, and candied fruits with notes of honey, fresh prune, quince paste, almond, and orange zest.

Palate
Full-bodied and generous, the palate harmoniously balances freshness and acidity. As the tasting progresses, the palate reveals multiple aromas (candied fruits, apricot, nougat, toffee, brioche, confectionery) enhanced by notes of beeswax and pepper conferring significant tension to the wine. With exceptional length, this Château de Fargues 2005 seduces with its elegance, purity, and concentration.