Château de Fargues 2004

The 2004 Chateau de Fargues is a fantastic wine for the vintage and should not be overlooked. It boasts a heavenly bouquet with touches of white chocolate, dried honey, marmalade and quince that opens exuberantly with aeration. The palate is extremely well balanced with a fine line of acidity. There is certainly very good weight here, similar to Doisy-Vedrines, yet packed with greater sophistication and breeding. It builds gloriously in the mouth toward its tender praline and honey finish, which lingers long. This is a superb and perhaps overlooked Chateau de Fargues. Drink now–2035. Tasted February 2014.

A curl of woodsmoke on the first nose, plenty of acidity to ensure a push-and-pull contrast as the palate constructs itself in the mouth. A low yield after hail, down to 6 hl/ha, but this has poise and elegance and delivers a satiny texture while keeping the flavors tight and controlled, with grated ginger, spiced nectarine and cloves. Harvest September 28 through to November 4, spread out across four passes through the vines, just finishing before the frost. François Amirault winemaker.

Wine not chaptalized and made without the use of cryoextraction. The nose is fresh, fruity, spicy, and slightly iodized. The palate is more interesting and, right from the start, more complex. The wine is complete while remaining quite airy. Smooth, aromatic finish with fine spice.

87-89 There is certainly good fruit here, it is quite light, delicate and layered with tannins and acidity. This is a fresh, fruity style, but with all the right characteristics.