De Fargues 2003

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2003 de Fargues offers 132-grams-per-liter residual sugar and an alcohol level of 13.92%. The grapes rapidly accumulated sugar, so they had to pick quickly, lest the sugar content ran out of control. Consequently, the harvest was concentrated in one intense week from September 19-25. Contrasting this directly against the 2005 and 2007, there is clearly not the same degree of definition and clarity. There is a touch of beeswax and honeysuckle but it needs more complexity. The palate has fine viscosity and spiciness on the entry – orange zest, mandarin and dried apricot at its heart. There is a pleasing fatness and corpulence, but though the finish is nicely balanced, it does not “take off” like the 2005 or 2007. Tasted April 2013.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The nose is quite muted coming after Climens, but the palate has great potential even though it is more backward than other Sauternes. Touches of wild honey, quince and citrus fruit. Lacks a little definition though the finish is very focused and stylish, with apricot, quince and orange peel. Very fine. Tasted October 2005.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

It is against my better judgment to taste the sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes at such an early age, as I find they typically require at least 12 months to reveal the definition/delineation so essential in these creamy, creme brulee, and honeysuckle-flavored offerings. Nevertheless, because this vintage is so highly regarded, I tasted through most of the top estates. The 2003s appear to be somewhat in the style of the 1990s, with high levels of residual sugar (higher than 2001 for the most part) as well as botrytis, low acidity, and fat, full-bodied personalities. This region’s harvest began extremely early (early September), and was completely finished within three weeks. It does not appear that the nobleness and racy richness of the 2001 vintage will be found in the 2003s, but readers who like the big, flamboyant, over the top style of the 1990s will enjoy the 2003s even more than I did. Unlike most of my red wine tastings, this offering was only tasted once. Readers should keep in mind that this a very early, pre-bottling judgment from very unevolved wine that is not nearly as defined and easy to evaluate as the reds.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

No tasting note was given.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Space limitations preclude including tasting notes. 2003 is a rich, sweet vintage of powerful, full-bodied wines that possess huge levels of glycerin, alcohol, and residual sugar.