1988 Chateau de Fargues Sauternes

(94 Points  -- Wine Advocate)

The estate describes this as the most elegant and racy of the trilogy, a late harvest saved by an Indian summer. The botrytis infection was slow and consequently the harvest could not begin until October 6, the most concentrated grapes picked between November 5-8 and then remarkably late, from November 15-23. It offers 13.95% alcohol and 122 grams residual sugar per liter. I just love this nose - a glorious bouquet of ripe Clementine, mandarin, a slight adhesive scent and dandelion. The palate is superbly balanced with a keen line of acidity, beautifully poised dried mango and mandarin flavors, plus a touch of white pepper enlivening the finish. There is a Barsac like quality to this most Sauternes of Sauternes! Drinking superbly now. (NM)  Review Date: 06/2013