Château de Fargues 2008

Characteristics and tasting notes for Château de Fargues 2008

Tasting

Nose
The bouquet reveals itself as intense and rich, unveiling notes of honey accompanied by superb aromatic definition. Aromas of apricot and bitter Seville orange intertwine harmoniously, creating an expression that is both vibrant and expressive. The ensemble also exudes roasted and candied fragrances, bearing witness to the late harvest conditions.

Palate
The palate is distinguished by its perfect balance, combining density and power. The texture reveals itself as taut and expressive, carried by persistent honeyed notes. Citrus aromas, notably lemon and orange, blend with touches of white pepper and spices. The finish offers remarkable length with excellent acidity that brings freshness and liveliness to the whole.

Food and wine pairings
This Château de Fargues 2008 will magnificently accompany pan-seared foie gras with fruits, poultry in creamy sauce, or blue cheeses such as Roquefort. It will also sublimate yellow fruit desserts, particularly an apricot tart or peach crumble.

Service and cellaring
Château de Fargues 2008 is ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This vintage possesses exceptional aging potential and can be kept until around 2040, or even beyond.

A Sauternes wine with perfect balance despite the challenges of the vintage

The estate
Château de Fargues, owned by the Lur Saluces family since 1472, produced its first vintage of sweet wine in 1943. Located in Fargues in the Sauternes appellation in Bordeaux, the estate extends over 170 hectares including 27 hectares of vines. Philippe de Lur Saluces currently manages this family property. The clay-limestone and gravelly terroir benefits from a microclimate conducive to the development of Botrytis cinerea. The family refuses to market vintages deemed imperfect, demonstrating radical quality standards. This exceptional patrimonial continuity of over five centuries distinguishes Château de Fargues among the great Sauternes.

The vineyard
The Château de Fargues vineyard extends over 27 hectares in the heart of the Sauternes appellation. The clay-limestone and gravelly soils, combined with a particular microclimate, favor the development of Botrytis cinerea, the fungus responsible for noble rot so sought after in the production of great sweet wines. This exceptional terroir allows the grapes to achieve remarkable concentration and aromatic complexity.

The vintage
The year 2008 began with a mild winter followed by a cold snap in March. On April 7, a severe morning frost destroyed approximately half of the potential harvest. Spring was then characterized by frequent rains, three days out of four, causing runoff and shatter during flowering as well as heavy mildew pressure. The second half of August experienced hot and humid conditions accelerating ripening but increasing the risks of early rot. In early September, a cold and dry episode restored favorable conditions, allowing the grapes to complete their ripening serenely while preserving aromas and freshness. The harvest took place in five successive passes between September 25 and November 6, with key passes producing highly concentrated, refined and elegant musts.

Vinification and aging
The harvest of Château de Fargues 2008 is carried out manually in five successive passes, selecting only berries affected by noble rot. Fermentation takes place in barrels for three to five weeks with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place entirely in barrels, of which 25 to 30% are new oak, the remainder consisting of barrels aged one to one and a half years. This method preserves aromatic purity while bringing structure and complexity to the wine.

Grape varieties
Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc compose this Château de Fargues 2008.