1989 Château de Fargues

Unlike previous vintages, this growing season was marked by a rapid spread of botrytis and the harvest began almost a month earlier than the 1988, on September 27, and occurred over three tries. The 1989 de Fargues has a higher alcohol level than the 1988 at 14.35% and delivers 124 grams of residual sugar per liter. The nose is more precocious than the previous vintage and is actually very similar in profile, perhaps with not quite the same level of clarity, yet still very attractive. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous entry. There is superb race, thanks to the killer thread of acidity, a twist of sour lemon, mandarin and brown sugar sprinkled over the finish. There is a slight Aszu-like quality to the de Fargues that has great length and persistency. Excellent – but pipped by both the ’88 and ’90. Tasted April 2013.

Unlike previous vintages, this growing season was marked by a rapid spread of botrytis and the harvest began almost a month earlier than the 1988, on September 27, and occurred over three tries. The 1989 de Fargues has a higher alcohol level than the 1988 at 14.35% and delivers 124 grams of residual sugar per liter. The nose is more precocious than the previous vintage and is actually very similar in profile, perhaps with not quite the same level of clarity, yet still very attractive. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous entry. There is superb race, thanks to the killer thread of acidity, a twist of sour lemon, mandarin and brown sugar sprinkled over the finish. There is a slight Aszu-like quality to the de Fargues that has great length and persistency. Excellent – but pipped by both the ’88 and ’90. Tasted April 2013. Jun 2013, www.robertparker.com