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Chateau de Fargues, 2003 Sweet Wine

Sauternes

Bottle size: 75cl

ABV: 13%

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Price:

$87.65 USD

4 In Stock

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  • Description

    The 2003 Château de Fargues is a remarkable wine from the Sauternes appellation in Bordeaux, France. Château de Fargues, owned by the Lur-Saluces family (former proprietors of Château d’Yquem), is renowned for producing exceptional sweet wines that are both opulent and long-lived. The 2003 vintage stands out for its intensity and concentration, thanks to the extreme heat that marked this year.

    Wine Overview
    The 2003 Château de Fargues is crafted primarily from:

    Sémillon: Contributing richness, depth, and honeyed complexity.
    Sauvignon Blanc: Adding freshness, aromatic lift, and vibrant acidity.
    Vintage Characteristics
    The 2003 vintage was one of the hottest on record in Bordeaux, with a summer heatwave leading to early harvests and highly concentrated fruit. Despite the challenges, Sauternes excelled, as the heat facilitated the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Wines from this vintage are known for their opulence, high levels of sweetness, and ripe fruit character, balanced by freshness from cooler nights.

    Tasting Notes
    Appearance: Deep golden with amber highlights, reflecting its richness and age.
    Aroma: A powerful and complex bouquet of apricots, candied orange peel, and honey, layered with notes of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. Subtle hints of caramel, saffron, vanilla, and toasted almonds enhance its aromatic depth.
    Palate: Full-bodied and luscious, with a silky texture and vibrant acidity balancing its sweetness. Flavors of ripe peaches, quince, and dried apricots are complemented by honey, toffee, and a touch of spice. The wine is concentrated yet elegant, with a lingering minerality.
    Finish: Exceptionally long and luxurious, with layers of fruit, honey, and a touch of citrus zest.
    Drinking Window
    As of 2025, the 2003 Château de Fargues is beautifully mature but still vibrant. It is in its prime drinking window, with tertiary complexity developing alongside its rich fruit. Properly stored bottles can continue to age for another 10–20 years, gaining further depth and nuance.

    Food Pairing
    The richness and complexity of the 2003 Château de Fargues pair beautifully with:

    Foie gras, served cold or pan-seared.
    Blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, Stilton, or Gorgonzola.
    Fruit-based desserts, such as tarte Tatin, poached pears, or mango sorbet.
    Lightly spiced Asian dishes, like honey-glazed duck or coconut-based curries.
    Serving Recommendations
    Decanting: Decanting is not typically necessary but letting the wine sit in the glass for a few minutes can help release its full aromatic potential.
    Serving Temperature: Serve slightly chilled at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to balance its sweetness and freshness.
    Conclusion
    The 2003 Château de Fargues is a luxurious and concentrated expression of Sauternes, showcasing the estate’s ability to craft exceptional wines even in extreme vintages. Its richness, balance, and aging potential make it a true delight for lovers of sweet wines.

    Condition

    Good condition

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