The imposing ruins of a fortress built in 1306 give Château de Fargues a certain mystery that suits the estate very well.

Owned by the Lur Saluces family for over 500 years, the vineyard was devoted to producing a rather insignificant red wine until the period between the two World Wars. The estate was then entirely restructured to produce a sweet wine better-suited to the terroir, composed of gravel on a deep clay-chalk bedrock.

Until 2004, Alexandre de Lur Saluces, owner of Château de Fargues, also managed the famous Château d'Yquem. This explains why the vitcultural and winemaking methods at Fargues are so similar to its prestigious "cousin". Château de Fargues only reveal their complexity and class after 10 years of aging.

In the Bottle

Visitors to Château de Fargues are struck by the hasty side of its winemaking facilities as compared to the flashy cellars at most of the other great Sauternes estates. This should not, however, discourage anyone, because Château de Fargues is one of the appellation's finest wines.

The 2006, 2004, 2003, and 2001 vintagesFargues are altogether remarkable. The 1997 Château de Fargues has great complexity and certain aspects reminiscent of its "cousin", Yquem. 1988 de Fargues is currently delightful thanks to its good balance. More powerful, the 1989 and 1990 vintages require further aging.

You can count on excellent, reliable quality from this wine, which rarely disappoints.

-

Fargues, Guilhem de Fargues (dry white)