de Fargues 2007

Ever since Fargues came into these tastings several years ago, it has clearly shown it can hold its own among the premiers crus. This year it was tasted among the top second growths and was the first wine at that point of the tastings showing a real honeyed richness, but also freshness, complexity and great length and elan. 4 stars.

Tasted single blind against its peers. The de Fargues 2007 is a tease, comparatively light on the nose at first, offering tempting scents of pressed white flowers, yellow plums and custard cremes. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely viscous texture and fine acidity with hints of ginger and barley sugar towards the Barsac-like finish. Watch this blossom over the next decade.

The 2007 de Fargues is just a little smudged at first on the nose, so putting it aside for 10-15 minutes, it soon gains more clarity and develops engaging aromas of clear honey, barley sugar, a touch of quince and pear, in many ways more Barsac in style than Sauternes. The palate is beautifully balanced on the entry with touches of lemon curd, barley sugar, pear, apple-blossom and ginger, the finish more persistent than it showed at primeur, lingering like a temptress with illicit intentions.

This de Fargues is endowed with a rich honeyed, slightly buttery nose with touches of apple-blossom and white peach. Good definition. The palate is very well-balanced, great precision with hints of wild honey, crème brulee, white peach and apricots leading towards more peach flavours towards the finish. Good acidity and tension towards the finish. Good if not exceptional length. This is a great de Fargues. Drink 2012-2045. Tasted April 2008