Chateau de Fargues 1983

WEINWISSER: "Recht dunkles Gelb mit deutlich goldenen Reflexen. Immer noch ein sehr frisches Bouquet, kandierte Orangenschalen, Grand-Marnier-Touch, getrocknete Aprikosen, geröstete Mandeln. Feinrassiger, filigraner Gaumen, gut balanciert, wieder mit einem Dörrfrüchtebeginn, saftiges, sehr langes Finale aufgrund der lebendigen Säure. Grosse Sauternes müssen nicht immer übersüss sein, eher niedriger Wert mit 107 Gramm Restzucker."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Bright orangey tawny. Strongly orange peel and caramel on the nose. Not quite as rich as I remember it from a few years previously – losing a little fruit? Good bright acidity and complexity. Delicious with new season's English raspberries and strawberries grown under glass."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "One-third of the crop was picked between October 3-10 with further pickings between October 18-20 and then finally, perfectly botrytized fruit was picked between November 4-10. The 1983 de Fargues possesses and undimmed brightness on the nose, befitting a great vintage such as this. There is that leitmotif mandarin scent infused with beeswax and adhesive – perhaps showing a little more maturity than the precocious 1986. The palate is viscous on the entry with razor-sharp acidity: notes of Clementine, quince and dried apricot informing the weighty, persistent finish. This 30-year-old de Fargues has reached its peak, but the end of its plateau is a long way out of sight. Tasted April 2013."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "This is filled with layers of tropical, honeyed fruit. Still young and vibrant."