Pale to medium gold in color, the 2009 de Fargues drifts effortlessly out of the glass with gorgeous honeysuckle, candied ginger, tropical fruit preserves and musk perfume scents followed by nuances of beeswax, chamomile tea and quince paste. Full-bodied, seductively rich and super sweet, the hedonistic layers are beautifully offset by wonderful freshness, finishing long and very layered. It possesses mature notions and yet still has bags of vibrant fruit, so loads of time ahead for this stunner. LPB

Sensational, with youthfully raw waves of toasted coconut, dried fig, glazed pear and singed almond that are still finding their groove, backed by mango, heather honey and piecrust notes. Incredibly rich, yet detailed in feel, this will need a bit of time to settle in fully, after which this should cruise in the cellar. JM

The 2015 Chateau de Fargues delivers 153 grams per liter of residual sugar at 13.8% alcohol. It has a complex bouquet with honey, marmalade and quince aromas that are beautifully defined, but will clearly take a few years to reach their full potential. The palate is very sensual on the entry, honeyed and lavish at the beginning, but retaining wonderful precision and persistence on the lightly spiced finish. This is a seriously good de Fargues that should age effortlessly over the next 30-40 years. As usual, this is one for the serious Sauternes-lovers who know that good things come to those that wait.

Bright gold. Sweet almond milk on the nose. Big and brawny and ambitious. Real concentration and structure. More umami than sweetness. More like a punch than a caress. Some green notes on the end - vigour. Massive intensity.
Drink 2026-2040