The fully mature 1987 Fargues exemplifies the serenity a well-made Sauternes can express after proper aging, with its gentle, meditative notes of tea leaves, caramelized fruits, and acacia blossom swirling languidly on a nicely balanced palate. This beckons for savory cuisine to accompany it, or it can shine on its own as a thought-provoker.

While Château d’Yquem was sold to LVMH in the late 1990s, Château de Fargues remains under the control of the Lur-Saluces family, with Alexandre’s friendly and highly capable son Philippe at the helm today. Their lone wine is produced from 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, harvested with meticulous care to only include pristinely botrytized fruit, with yields averaging less than a glass of wine per vine. It is aged for two full years in one-third new oak barrels, then six further months in stainless steel to assemble; fining and filtration are never employed. Emphasizing focus over ultra-richness, Château de Fargues is an elegant, streamlined, varietally expressive Sauternes with outstanding longevity.