Wines Sauternes Château Fargues - 2004

Viniou Reviews

Château de Fargues 2004 is a splendid Sauternes, crafted in the heart of the Sauternais within Bordeaux. This sweet white wine is traditionally composed predominantly of Sémillon, often complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and sometimes a touch of Muscadelle, though the precise blend is closely held. The unique terroir of Sauternes, with its mist-laden mornings and sunny afternoons, facilitates the development of Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. The 2004 vintage reveals the estate’s meticulous viticulture and patient hand-harvesting in several passes, with the juice then fermented and aged in oak barrels, often for long periods, to build richness and complexity in the final wine.

The Sauternes region offers a fascinating viticultural environment. Warm days and cool, foggy mornings are typical due to the Ciron and Garonne rivers meeting, creating the perfect microclimate for noble rot. Local gravelly soils overlaying clay and limestone play a crucial role in drainage and vine health, imparting finesse and elegance to the wines. Sauternes has built a legendary reputation since the 17th century, with Château de Fargues—run by the Lur Saluces family (of Yquem fame)—standing as one of its undisputed icons.

The opulence and honeyed depth of Château de Fargues 2004 pair well with a variety of foods. Classic combinations include foie gras terrine, where the wine’s acidity offsets the dish’s richness, or blue cheeses such as Roquefort whose saltiness highlights the wine’s luscious fruit. For a truly regional match, savour it with canelé de Bordeaux or an apricot tart. The wine also complements exotic and spicy dishes, such as Thai duck curry or glazed pork, revealing elegant notes of candied apricot, saffron, and toasted almonds.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Sauternes slightly chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Open the bottle a little ahead of time to let its bouquet unfold, and use tulip-shaped glasses to focus its beautiful aromatics. This wine is a delight today but will continue to evolve gracefully for many years in your cellar.